Spirituality

Academy Vision:

“Life in all its fullness” (John 10:10)

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality is a core component to ‘living life in all its fullness’ as the mind, body and soul needs to be nurtured equally. It relates to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone and is not dependant on a religious belief. It is also based on the search for ways to answer questions about life and a search for identity. 

Spiritual development is the development of an awareness that there is “something more to life than meets the eye, something more than the material, something more than the obvious, something to wonder at, and something to respond to.” ( Terence Copley)

To talk about spirituality is, essentially, to talk about something which is beyond words. There is a general consensus that spirituality is linked to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life; it includes ideas around relating to oneself, others, the natural world and the transcendent; it is not dependant on religious belief or affiliation.

Spirituality Model at St. Aidan’s 

At St Aidan’s Church of England Academy we support children’s spiritual development using the ‘candle, window, mirror, door’ approach.

Opportunities within the curriculum

• Self-Awareness or Self Knowledge. Pupils will be given a range of opportunities to reflect upon and discuss their beliefs, feelings and responses to personal experiences.
• Forming Relationships. Pupils will be given the opportunity to develop an understanding of both their individual and group identity and to form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships.
• Asking Ultimate Questions. Opportunities will be provided within lessons and also collective worship relating to the meaning and purpose in life. This involves asking questions such as “Why me?” in times of suffering, or “What happens when you die?”
• Uncertainty, Awe and Wonder. Pupils will be given opportunities to reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life and to experience moments of stillness and reflection.
• Beliefs and Values. This is the search for, and development of, personal beliefs and values which may or may not be shared with other members of the community. Pupils will be given moment to explore and clarify their own beliefs.
• Creativity. This is the exercising of the imagination or intuition and insight to express one’s innermost thoughts and feelings, especially through the creative arts. Creative work can be an important tool for exploring some of the other areas of spiritual development, including the Creative Curriculum, Music, Art and opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Pupils will be encouraged to be creative and use their imagination. 
• Feelings and Emotions. The sense of being moved by kindness or beauty, or being hurt by hatred and injustice. There should bring a growing awareness of when it is important to control feelings and emotions. Pupils should be able to foster their emotional life and express their feelings in the community of the church school.