Spirituality at Herne View
Spirituality is a term which is difficult to define as it is a very personal experience but as a school we have defined spirituality as:
‘Spirituality at Herne View is about the relationships and connections we make with ourselves, others, the world around up and something ‘bigger’ outside ourselves. How as a community, we flourish by experiencing and embracing wonder in our lives and learn to nurture openness, peace, kindness and respect.’
We have agreed on a simple but usable language of in, out and up to reflect the relational heart of spirituality and the awareness of children being in the moment with themselves (in), seeing and understanding others (out) and seeing and relating to the physical and creative world and beyond to those experiences beyond the everyday (up).
Whilst some people, historically, may have linked spirituality with religion, it is in fact something that makes us human, whether or not we are religious.
As a school we have looked at the work of Rebecca Nye, who suggests that spirituality can be defined the relationships we become aware of in four areas. (Nye R (2009) Children’s Spirituality: What it is and why it matters London: Church House Publishing)
We help our children as a school to become more aware of their innate spirituality by:
being reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life.
helping them have knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
ensuring they have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
nurturing their use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
supporting them to have a willingness to reflect on their experiences.
For our children who follow a Christian faith, their spirituality will be linked to their relationship to God, where the up part will allow them to deepen this connection, recognising and supporting God's ways of being with them, and their ways of being with God.
For those of other faiths, we want to ensure their teachings and practices which build their relationships to something ‘bigger’ or up are recognised, so that believers can celebrate these whilst knowing that others in the community will respect their beliefs.
For those who have no recognised faith or do not express their beliefs through a recognised religion, spirituality remains a journey of self-discovery and meaning as they connect with themselves, others, the world and something ‘bigger’ outside ourselves through our shared language of in, out and up.
If you are interested in developing your child’s journey of spirituality maybe you could try some of these at home:
Spend time in nature, look at the changing seasons or find some trees and flowers and see the beauty and wonder around us.
Visit our local Library and share books and stories that include moral lessons, values and spiritual themes.
Encourage your child to do little acts of kindness to explain the importance of compassion and service or maybe volunteer in the community together e.g. Green Ilminster’s Litter Picks
Introduce your child to a variety of spiritual and religious traditions, helping them understand the diversity of human beliefs and values. As age appropriate, these can be seen and discussed on programmes such as Newsround.
Encourage children to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings.
If your child has enjoyed their yoga sessions at school, maybe find some online yoga sessions for them to use at home to help them find their inner peace to be 'in the moment'.
As a school we are developing spirituality across the curriculum and the explanations below show how this is developed in each subject. This is currently being brought together so please come back and see which subjects have been added.
History
The study of History involves a sense of curiosity and the mystery of how and why events in the past happened. It also raises questions as to what could have happened if events resulted in different outcomes. Artefacts are used to give children a sense of the past and aid children in understanding the people who produced and used these objects. Children are encouraged to explore the role played by important individuals, for good or ill, in the shaping of the world we live in. Children also reflect upon different interpretations of the past and how these interpretations have been arrived at.
Geography
Through teaching geography, we can also develop children’s spiritual development. Essentially, Geography is about studying people; where they live and our relationship with the environment. This involves providing children with the opportunities to reflect on their own values and beliefs and those of others. Children may explore what it would be like to live in a squatter settlement, or as a victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster, to living on tropical islands. Children have the opportunity to explore their own feelings about the people, culture, place and environments that they are learning about.
English
Reading:
At Herne View CofE Primary School, spirituality is seamlessly woven into the rich tapestry of our children's reading experiences. As they explore stories, fables, folktales, and poetry, they encounter characters who face moral dilemmas, ethical choices, and moments of self-discovery. These narratives offer opportunities for children to reflect on their own values and beliefs. Literature becomes a powerful tool for exploring diverse perspectives, fostering empathy, and encouraging a deep sense of connection to others. Through tales of courage, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world, reading nurtures the spiritual growth of our children, providing space for reflection, contemplation, and the exploration of universal themes. These stories challenge boundaries and inspire a sense of wonder, helping our children embark on a journey of self-discovery, imagination, and understanding, all of which contribute to their own spiritual growth.
Phonics:
At Herne View CofE Primary School, Little Wandle Phonics scheme plays a key role in not only developing essential literacy skills but also supporting children's spiritual growth. Through the process of learning to decode words and understand the structure of language, phonics provides children with the tools to express and connect with their inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. As children develop the ability to communicate more effectively, they gain confidence in sharing their experiences, ideas, and emotions. This journey of learning to read and write fosters a sense of empowerment and self-expression, supporting the holistic development of their identity, including their spiritual growth. In this way, phonics, while primarily a linguistic skill, plays a key role in nurturing the deeper aspects of a child’s development, enabling them to explore and articulate their thoughts and emotions, which are integral to their spiritual journey.
Writing:
At Herne View CofE Primary School, writing provides a meaningful way for our pupils to explore and express their spirituality. Through activities such as creative writing, genre exploration, and storytelling, children are given the chance to articulate their feelings, thoughts, and spiritual insights. Writing becomes a channel for self-expression, allowing pupils to reflect on and share their inner experiences. As our children create stories, poems, and personal reflections, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, deepening their understanding of their spiritual selves. Writing encourages children in our school to explore life’s deeper questions, such as meaning and purpose, while also nurturing their creativity. In this way, writing is not only a tool for communication but also a key part of their spiritual development, enabling them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to their overall growth.
