Spirituality
Spirituality
“Spirituality is like a bird: If you hold it too closely, it chokes, And if you hold it too loosely, it escapes.” Rabbi Hugo Gryn
At Padbury, we define spirituality: as exploring our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in something beyond ourselves. This helps us to understand our place in the world
At Padbury, we seek opportunities to develop our sense and understanding of spirituality through exploration of aspects of life, which are beyond tangible creation and provide a sense of awe and wonder. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith. At Padbury C of E School, we believe that spiritual development is a fundamental aspect of a child's personal progress and we work to enable children to develop holistically in order that they become happy, fulfilled, spiritually aware, and socially and emotionally engaged.
We explore spirituality through Window, Mirror, Door and Candle moments throughout our school day. We actively seek opportunities to explore our spiritual experiences throughout the curriculum as well as within collective worship. This allows for both planned and spontaneous ‘pause for thought’ moments and enables us to think and reflect carefully about the world around us and to consider our role within it.
Windows are for looking out onto the world and becoming aware of its wonders, both the ‘wows’ and ‘ows’; things that are ‘awe-full’ and make us wonder and be grateful and things that are ‘awful’ and make us wonder and ask questions. The whole curriculum and life itself are full of opportunities to recognise this sensitively.
Mirrors are for looking into and reflecting, alone and together, to see things more clearly, for thinking and asking important questions, learning from our own and each other’s responses. In schools, we must allow time for this for individual and group reflection and sharing of perspectives. Some subjects and times allow for this specifically, such as religious education and collective worship, but in all subjects, there will be opportunities, unexpected or planned, when things just ‘crop up’. Handled sensitively, it is possible to make the most of all these times, if there is ongoing deliberate and corporate staff and pupil support.
Doors are for looking through to then act or express this in some way in response; for moving on, making choices, and doing something creative, active and purposeful in response. This can simply be done through a change in attitude or behaviour or thinking. It can also be expressed powerfully through music, art, drama or dance and through some form of social action or specific acts of giving.
Our spirituality and Christian Vision, ‘Let your light shine before others’ drives us to be better versions of ourselves and underpins our inner strength to continually live out the values we have chosen as a school.
Opportunities for spiritual development present themselves all around us. As adults, we see our role as shining a light on these opportunities in order to engage children in spiritual moments, using the mirror, door, window or candle as vehicles to scaffold them.
Spirituality in Collective Worship
Collective Worship is a valued and integral part of life at Padbury. It provides the opportunity for our school community to share experiences, ideas and understanding. Within Collective Worship, the language of spirituality is used regularly and explicitly shared.
Collective Worship provides the opportunity for pupils to become aware of the importance of stillness and reflection. It also provides a real sense of being present which can often be linked to invitations to pray.
Collective Worship provides opportunities to engage with inspirational figures, stories and events and reflect on the beauty and joy of the world around them. In addition, time to reflect and empathise, showing compassion in moments of disappointment or pain.
Pupils are given time to consider their role in God’s world and their responsibilities to others and to grow in love and service.
Through Collective Worship, pupils are offered time to be able to contemplate and develop spiritually. Collective Worship in Padbury is invitational, inspirational and inclusive.
To read more about how we develop spirituality at Padbury Church of England School, please see our spirituality document below.