As we reflect upon and plan for the spiritual journey of children and adults in our federation, we have considered the centrality of our theologically rooted Christian vision. Through opportunities for spiritual growth, we empower adults and children to:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew, 5:16

At the Federation of Snape Community & Thornton Watlass CE Primary Schools, we recognise spirituality as a very personal experience and that people encounter spirituality in different ways. Therefore, we value, plan and give space for all in our community to be part of a spiritual journey.

Our Federation encourages the exploration of religious and nonreligious spirituality, using, where appropriate, Christian faith and values to enhance spiritual opportunities. We recognise opportunities provided through world faiths, beliefs, and values as well as non-religious worldviews. We understand the significant and privileged role that we play in supporting spiritual growth.

Our Spirituality Definition:

Spirituality is a journey of self-discovery through which we develop a curiosity of the greater reality that exists.  It is more powerful than that we can see; it is what we can feel inside: a connection that develops through awe and wonder and an awareness of something ‘bigger’, inspiring us to look beyond ourselves.

Spirituality, our working definition: A self-awareness, An appreciation of our world, An ability to just be.

Spiritual Growth

In supporting and promoting spiritual growth, we refer to:

• A self-awareness through which we are aware of, and acknowledge, our own inner life of thoughts, feelings, emotions, values and beliefs. We develop self-respect, a sense of identity and self-worth, recognising that in turn, this enables us to value and respect others;
• An appreciation of our world and the universe, recognising the beauty and diversity of nature and of our inheritance; inspiring curiosity beyond self.
• An ability to just be, to reflect, to be calm through opportunities to live in the moment, to imagine and to connect.
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Opportunities for spiritual growth:

We recognise the importance of a holistic approach to spiritual growth. This includes both planned and spontaneous opportunities; spirituality is a planned part of our curriculum offer as well as being embedded in worship and the daily life of the school. 

• Our school vision and Christian Values permeate through the day to day life in our schools, providing regular opportunity for curiosity and reflection. Collective Worship includes daily opportunities also. Children are encouraged to consider how they live their lives, their values and beliefs.
• Reflection areas – inside and outside.
• A carefully planned R.E. and PSHE curriculum which incorporates SMSC, British Values and Diversity.
• Learning about nature and the role they play in protecting our world through both Science and Geography lessons as well as enrichment days. Our Planet Protectors are active in identifying ways in which we can make a difference. We have developed our outdoor areas to make the most of what nature provides us with: gardening club, growing fruit and vegetables which we harvest and use in school lunches and for club snack. We embrace opportunities within our local community and further afield: Forest School, Beach School, tree planting.
• We embrace the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), raising awareness and funds.
• Being a part of the school, local and global community.
• Experience and reflect upon differing situations through stories, role play, music, art, drama and dance.
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Spiritual Capacities

In planning to support spiritual development, we have referred to the following capabilities which hope our children will be able to demonstrate when they leave our Federation:

• be guided by their beliefs and values and be willing to take a stand to defend them;
• be self-aware and empathise with the experience of others in the school and wider community;
• love themselves, care for themselves, believe in their potential to achieve, and find inner strength and resilience when facing challenges;
• exercise imagination and creativity, appreciate beauty in the world and be alive to experiences of awe and wonder;
• be intrigued by mystery and be open to an awareness of the transcendent in the whole of life;
• be comfortable with stillness and silence and open to engage in reflection/meditation/prayer;
• be ready to say sorry when mistakes are made, to forgive themselves and to forgive others;
• be willing to take risks and to reflect, learn and grow following experiences of failure as well as success;
• demonstrate curiosity and open mindedness when exploring life’s big questions;
• appreciate and be thankful for what is good in life like friends and family, and show generosity towards others.

Spiritual Development, Interpretations for the classroom – 2019

(Church of England Education Office Publication)

This morning, Red Kites popped into the playground to admire some beautiful 'rainbow' clouds. We learned that these occur because of cloud iridescence, where tiny ice crystals cause light to be diffracted -spread out- creating rainbow-like effects in the clouds. What a lovely start to the day.