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Spirituality

 

Spirituality at Sheering CE Primary School

Our Vision for Spirituality

At Sheering CE Primary School, spirituality is central to who we are and how we live out our vision of "Together we care, belong and grow". 

We believe that every child has an inner life – a capacity for reflection, wonder, meaning and connection. Spiritual development supports children to understand themselves, relate well to others and explore what it means to live well in the world.

Our Christian vision shapes our approach to spirituality, while fully respecting that pupils will engage with spirituality in different ways, regardless of faith background or belief.

What Do We Mean by Spirituality?

At Sheering, spirituality is about:

  • asking big questions about life, meaning and purpose

  • experiencing awe and wonder in the world around us

  • developing self-awareness and a sense of identity

  • reflecting on experiences, thoughts and feelings

  • connecting with others, the natural world and, for some, with God

  • expressing creativity, imagination and response

  • finding stillness, calm and space to reflect

Spirituality is not about having the “right answers”. It is about wondering, reflecting and growing.

How Our Vision and Values Shape Spirituality

Spiritual development at Sheering is rooted in our Christian vision and lived through our values:

Curiosity

Children are encouraged to wonder, ask questions and explore ideas deeply. Spirituality nurtures curiosity about life, beliefs, the world and our place within it.

Courage

Pupils are supported to reflect honestly, express their thoughts and explore challenging questions. Spirituality helps children grow in confidence and resilience.

Compassion

Through reflection and shared experience, children develop empathy, kindness and understanding for others. Spirituality helps pupils notice others and respond with care.

Community

Spirituality strengthens belonging. Children learn that they are part of a wider community and that relationships, responsibility and care for others matter.

Together, these values help children flourish as thoughtful, reflective and compassionate individuals.

Spirituality in a Church School

As a Church of England school, we provide a Christian framework for spiritual development, while ensuring inclusion for all pupils.

  • For some children, spirituality will be connected to faith in God

  • For others, it will be about wonder, values, meaning and reflection

  • For all children, spirituality supports their inner life and sense of belonging

We provide opportunities for spiritual development without requiring children to hold particular beliefs.

Our Approach: Windows, Mirrors and Doors

We use the Windows, Mirrors and Doors framework to support spiritual development:

  • Windows – opportunities to encounter awe, wonder and new perspectives

  • Mirrors – opportunities to reflect on thoughts, feelings and identity

  • Doors – opportunities to respond through action, creativity and choice

This framework runs through learning, worship and daily school life.

Spirituality Across School Life

Spiritual development is not limited to one subject. It is woven throughout:

  • Religious Education – exploring beliefs, meaning and spiritual practices

  • Collective Worship – times of reflection, stillness, story and prayer

  • English and the Arts – responding creatively to ideas, beauty and emotion

  • Science and the Outdoors – experiencing awe and wonder at creation

  • Personal, Social and Health Education – exploring identity, values and relationships

Creating Space for Reflection and Stillness

We intentionally create spaces and moments for spirituality, including:

  • daily Collective Worship

  • moments of quiet reflection and stillness

  • prayer and reflection spaces indoors and outdoors

  • creative and expressive opportunities

  • rhythms of the Christian year, such as Advent and Lent

These experiences help children slow down, reflect and connect.

Spirituality, Wellbeing and Flourishing

Spiritual development supports wellbeing by helping children to:

  • build self-worth and identity

  • develop emotional resilience

  • experience calm and joy

  • make sense of challenges

  • feel connected and valued

Spirituality is an important part of enabling children to flourish.

Inclusion and Belonging

Spirituality at Sheering is for everyone.

We ensure inclusion by:

  • offering multiple ways to reflect and express ideas

  • respecting different beliefs and backgrounds

  • supporting children with special educational needs

  • valuing every contribution

  • creating safe, respectful spaces for reflection

Every child is welcomed, valued and supported.

Working in Partnership with Families

Spiritual development is strengthened when school and home work together. We encourage families to support spirituality by:

  • noticing wonder and beauty in everyday life

  • welcoming children’s questions

  • sharing values and reflection

  • creating moments of stillness and gratitude

How We Know It Makes a Difference

We see spiritual growth when pupils:

  • ask thoughtful questions

  • show empathy and compassion

  • reflect on experiences

  • express ideas creatively

  • demonstrate calm, care and respect

  • talk about what matters to them

This evidence is seen in pupil voice, learning, behaviour and wellbeing.

 

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