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.

As a school, we have defined spirituality as:

“Spirituality is not something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions, inspiration and being aware of something ‘bigger’ outside of ourselves.”

The language we use to define spirituality may not always appear child-friendly, so when talking to children we will refer to:

Valuing & Understanding Oneself

• Awareness of feelings; ability to reflect and express
• Awareness of our uniqueness; happiness with who we are
• Gratitude for the things we have and the person we are
• Exploration of personal faith
• Development of imagination and creativity

Valuing & Understanding Others – Relationships & Feelings/Emotions

• Empathy and understanding; respect
• To love and be loved (loving your neighbour)
• Making a difference; duty

Transcendence (Beyond)

• Encountering/experiencing God (having a sense of what lies beyond the material/physical)
• Ability to ask and discuss the ‘Big Questions’ (eg about life, death, suffering, nature of God)
• Opportunities for prayer, connecting with God
• Making sense of the world

 Awe and Wonder – Nature and Beauty

• Developing a sense of awe and wonder
• Enjoying the miracles of everyday life
• Taking time for what really matters
• Appreciating beauty in art, music, nature

We have translated these into our everyday life by the use the metaphors:

• Windows
• Mirrors
• Doors

Experience – the window:      Spirituality is about experience. This encourages us all to imagine looking out of a window at the world around us. To think about its beauty and any questions or curiosities you have and giving space to ask questions about the world around us. This includes both the things that amaze us and challenge us.

Reflection – the mirror:             Spirituality can sometimes be about reflection. This encourages our school community to spend time reflecting on life's big questions and consider some possible answers. Learning from life by exploring our own insights and perspectives and those of others.

Transformation – the door:    Spirituality can be about transformation. The image of the door supports us all to think about the things that change in life when we go from one place to somewhere else. We think about other people who might be beyond the door. What do we have in common? What is different? How can we help? What can be changed? Why should we make the change? What can we change about our attitudes, perspective, point of view?

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