Spirituality
At Stanford in the Vale, spirituality means learning to understand ourselves, others, the world around us and explore faith. It helps us think about what we believe and appreciate the feelings and beliefs of others. It is woven throughout our curriculum and is nurtured through times of reflection and space to use our imagination to explore big questions. By Working Together, Achieving Together, we grow in kindness, curiosity and reflection, learning from our experiences and becoming the best, we can be.
Our framework for a common reflective structure for spirituality
As a school, we have chosen to use the Windows, Mirrors, Doors concept as a common reflective structure for spirituality:
Windows are for looking out onto the world and becoming aware of its wonders; things that are ‘full of awe’ and make us wonder and be grateful and things that are ‘awful’ and make us wonder and ask questions. 'SEE'
Mirrors are for looking into and reflecting, whether alone or together, to see things more clearly. To think about and ask important questions and learn from our own and each other’s responses. We encourage children and adults to think about how they are inspired by what they see. 'REFLECT'
Doors are for walking through to act in response to what we see and feel; for moving on, making choices, and doing something creative, active and purposeful in response. This can be achieved through a change in attitude, behaviour or thinking. It can also be expressed powerfully through making a purposeful change for the better. 'ACT'
Spiritual development will happen in all aspects of school life and beyond. There will be opportunities in the classroom woven throughout our curriculum, there will be space and time given during our collective worship and PSHE learning. We are committed to modelling, leading and supporting all of our school community to enjoy and appreciate the strength and faith in oneself that spirituality can bring.
How do we provide opportunities for spiritual development?
In school we provide a wide range of activities throughout the week and school year that help develop spirituality across different areas of the curriculum. A non-exhaustive list of these is as follows:
- Daily acts of worship
- Church Services
- The living of our school’s vision and values
- Pastoral Care
- Through our relational approach
- Inter school competition
- Pupil Leadership Opportunities such as Pupil Parliament, Sports Leaders and Eco Warriors.
- Enquiry Questions for home and school
- A well-planned curriculum which allows for exploration and reflection
- Nature School
- Residential Visits
- School trips and visitors
How do we recognise spiritual development?
Children and adults will…
- be guided by their beliefs and values and be willing to take a stand to defend them.
- be self-aware and empathise with the experience of others in the school and wider community.
- love themselves, care for themselves, believe in their potential to achieve, and find inner strength and resilience when facing challenges.
- exercise imagination and creativity and appreciate beauty in the world.
- be comfortable with stillness and silence and open to engage in reflection / meditation / prayer based upon personal belief.
- be ready to say sorry when mistakes are made, to forgive themselves and to forgive others.
- be willing to take risks and to reflect, learn and grow following experiences of failure as well as success.
- demonstrate curiosity and open mindedness when exploring life’s big questions.
- appreciate and be thankful for what is good in life like friends and family and show generosity towards others.
- to take action to improve the world around us.