Spirituality

Spirituality at Bishopton Redmarshall CE Primary School

What is spirituality?

Spirituality encourages everyone to be reflective about the essential and inherent meaning and mystery of life. Spirituality differs from person to person and often changes within people during the own lifetime; it is those shifts throughout our life’s journey, moving us towards who we are meant to be. Therefore, putting a definition of ‘spirituality’ into words for children is difficult, as it is an experience that will be different to everyone. Spirituality does not necessarily mean having a religion or a faith, as a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith. Perhaps the most important aspect we feel, is creating a sense of wonder and fascination in learning about ourselves, others, and the world around us.

In Collective Worship we use 'Windows, Mirrors and Doors' to help support the spiritual development of the school community.

WINDOWS: giving children opportunities to learn when new possibilities or different perspectives are 'opened up' through the use of drama, visual images, poetry, video clips based on Bible stories or other texts. In this children are learning about life in all its fullness.

MIRRORS: giving children opportunities to reflect on how the Bible story or stimulus has resonated with, or challenged them; 'searching questions' or a guided mediatation as a focus for reflection. In this they are learning from life by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others.

DOORS: giving children opportunities to respond to all of this; to do something creative as a means of expressing, applying and further developing their thoughts and convictions. In this they are learning to live by putting into action what they are coming to believe and value.

Impact of Spirituality

In developing Spirituality our children realise how wonderful they are and realise their own potential. They are self-aware and show empathy towards others in and out of school. Our children are curious, open-minded and can explore things in appropriate ways. They can express and understand feelings and have a strong moral sense of right and wrong. Although able to enjoy and embrace quiet and stillness, they possess an active imagination.