Across our Federation of Schools, we have a group of Spiritual Ambassadors who represent the settings and protect the Spiritual Wellbeing of the two schools. They applied for the roles and demonstrated a commitment to the cause. But what is meant by ‘spirituality’?
It can be difficult to put into words what ‘spirituality’ is because it is a very personal experience. It differs from person to person, and often spirituality changes during our lifetime. We believe that spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith.
As a setting, we have agreed the following definition:
“Spirituality is not necessarily something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions, feeling inspired and being convinced of something more than just ourselves.”
The language we use to define spirituality may not always be child-friendly to our younger peers, so when talking to each other we may refer to:
- A sense of awe and wonder
- A desire to 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. We have a very active Eco Committee and Gardening Club. We have our own bug hotels and allotment. 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 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
Spiritual Development
If you as a parent would like to understand more about supporting your child’s Spiritual Development please look at the video below from the National Institute for Christian Education nicer.org.uk
The spiritual ambassadors have met and agreed a definition of their own role:
- To co-lead our range of worships including our weekly reflection worship
- To write a weekly prayer that is reflective of our current value and current events in the world
- To protect and maintain our Spiritual Garden opened by the Bishop of Shrewsbury for the benefit of our school community
- To represent our school on visits to our local church – All Saints, Tibberton – and our mother church within the Diocese – Lichfield Cathedral
- To provide spiritual guidance to our peers by maintaining the reflection areas around the two schools
