Spirituality
What is spirituality?
Spirituality concerns a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God (or the transcendent), and with nature and the environment. These four elements: self; others; transcendence and beauty form the basis of our work with children in developing a strong sense of spirituality. It is also vital that all of the adults in school have the opportunity to develop their own spirituality for their own development and wellbeing, and so that they can effectively support and help our children and each other.
Exploring spirituality offers a unique opportunity to step back and reflect on why we do what we do at All Saints', and also how we do it. It can help us be more intuitive and sensitive. It can connect us more deeply to nature and our precious planet. It can make us more aware of the things we have in common with others despite our differences.
How we aim to develop a strong sense of spirituality
1. Have regular time in the day for quiet and reflection. This might be listening to a story, lighting a candle in collective worship, going for a walk.
2. Provide many opportunities for creativity and using the imagination.
3. Valuing play opportunities.
4. Singing often, especially with others.
5. Ensuring invitational opportunities for prayer. This can take many forms, but should including being thankful, saying sorry.
6. Provide frequent opportunities for children to explore, express and share feelings.
7. Constantly reaffirm the importance of relationships. How we talk to and relate with each other is fundamental.
8. Provide opportunities to express awe and wonder, appreciate beauty in all its forms, and appreciate the connections and unity in the world.
9. Encourage each other to admit mistakes and to say sorry. Recognising and owning up to faults is an important healing and redemptive process.
10. Encourage children to show kindness, caring and compassion, and to express these in practical ways (e.g. how we treat each other every day; charitable works; looking after pets).
11. Explore the ‘Big Questions’ – particularly through our RE curriculum.
12. Read often to children, and give them opportunities to discuss and reflect. This includes both secular and religious texts, in particular the Bible.
Spirituality at All Saints'
Impact of Spirituality
Spiritually developed children love and accept themselves and enjoy good relationships with each other. They take an interest and delight in the world around them; they are open to what lies beyond the material (this 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. They are able to enjoy quiet and stillness, they possess an active imagination, and show joy in creativity and discovering new skills.
