What is our definition of Spirituality?

It is very difficult to put into words what ‘spirituality’ actually is, because it is a very personal experience. It differs from person to person, and often spirituality changes within people during their lifetime. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith. It concerns an individual’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God (or the transcendent, outside humanity), and with the natural world.

The language we use to define spirituality is not child-friendly, so when talking to children about it we will refer to:

• A sense of awe and wonder

• Care for nature and living things

• Wanting to love and to be loved by people

Awe and Wonder

Children are born inquisitive, and it is our duty to nurture this natural curiosity and guide them towards looking at the world and noticing, with awe and wonder, the natural and man-made delights all around us. We want to encourage them to ask ‘big questions’ about life, religion, nature, science and any other area of fascination.

Caring for Nature and Living Things

We provide many opportunities for children to learn about nature and the role they play in protecting our world. As a Church School, this is especially important. Through science and topic work, children learn about the world and how they can care for living things. 

Love

We are a very caring school and pride ourselves on our ethos of family. Through our Christian Values, we teach children to care for friends, family and the community. Indeed, our curriculum includes learning about those we love and those who love us.

Children’s spiritual development is fostered through all aspects of our provision. It is about the relationships and the values that we consider to be important, as well as the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. We give children opportunities to:

• Express personal beliefs and compare views with others, sharing feelings and opinions through discussions and stories.

• Begin to develop their own system of beliefs which may or may not include religious beliefs.

• Experience a love of learning through rewarding their enthusiasm and by encouraging exploratory play and learning.

• Reflect upon the world around them and show a sense of awe and wonder towards aspects of the natural world or human achievement.

• Reflect on the situations of others through role play, stories.

• Experience a range of stories, music, art, drama and dance

We are acutely aware that spiritually developed children and adults take an interest in and delight in the world around them, and are open to what lies beyond the material (which may manifest itself in faith/belief in God). They are able to express and understand feelings; they have a strong moral sense and a love of what is good and just. They are able to enjoy quiet and stillness. They possess active imaginations, and can use these creatively in all aspects of their learning,  showing  joy in creativity and the discovery of new skills.