Spirituality at St Bartholomew's

Why is spirituality important?

The Church of England’s Vision for Education states a core desire of ‘life in all it’s fullness’. As a Church of England school, it is essential that we educate and develop the whole child ensuring Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development. We explore Spirituality by providing our children with opportunities to be still and reflect. Spirituality enables children at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary school to be Happy, Healthy and Fulfilled.

Developing Spirituality in our school

Spiritual development is closely linked to our School Vision and provides children with opportunities to reflect and think about:

• Themselves (LOOKING IN)
• Their relationship with others (LOOKING OUT)
• God and Jesus’s teachings (LOOKING UP)

LOOKING IN at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary school means:

• Awareness of their own feelings and being able to reflect.
• Awareness of how unique they are and a happiness of who they are.
• Being THANKFUL for the things they have and the person they are.
• Exploration of personal faith

LOOKING OUT at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary school means:

• Showing empathy and understanding in relation to injustice and inequality
• To love and be loved
• To Be More and make a difference

LOOKING UP at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary school means:

• Encountering and experiencing God
• Opportunities for prayer and reflection
• Making sense of the world
• Being open to more

Our children encounter a wide range of opportunities to develop their spirituality throughout their time with us. These include, but are not limited to:

• A daily act of Collective Worship.
• Reflection tasks linked to Collective Worship.
• Singing and a school Choir.
• A weekly act of Celebration Worship.
• Reflection Areas in each classroom throughout school to encourage children to quietly reflect and prayer throughout the day.
• Regular visits to St Bartholomew’s Church to join in with services.
• Teaching morals through our School Values of RESPECT, COMPASSION, TRUST, FORGIVENESS, HOPE, ASPIRATION and COURAGE.
• Christian Value Trophies rewards and recognition.
• Forest School initiative offer opportunities for Awe and Wonder
• Displays around school are though-provoking and encourage children to be reflective.
• Children understand that mistakes will be forgiven in line with our School Value of Forgiveness.

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.

Spirituality helps our children gain ‘The roots to grow and the wings to fly.’