Spirituality Statement – Marwood CE Infant School

The language of spirituality begins from a Christian understanding that everyone is a valued creation, individually and uniquely made by God, like pots made by a potter (Isaiah 64:8). Yet, in life things happen that impact on the physical ‘pot’ of life and create cracks that provide a glimpse of something ‘beyond’ the tangible. Christians would view this as an opportunity to relate to the Divine Creator God.

Cracks may be caused when something so good and breath-taking happens that the pot expands and cracks – the wows of life.

Cracks may happen when something challenging happens and threatens the comfort of everyday – the ows of life.

Cracks can also happen in the stillness and ordinariness of everyday – the nows of life, when a moment of stillness, a pause or prayer creates a crack in the normal, physical everyday.

Examples:

Picture news – ows, wows, nows

Chick Hatching – wows (occasionally ows)

Science week – wows, now

Wild June – now

Young leader award – ows,now

As a school, we have defined spirituality as:

 

“Spirituality is not something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions, inspiration and being aware of something ‘bigger’ outside of ourselves.”

 

The language we use to define spirituality is not child-friendly, so when talking to children about it we will refer to:

• A sense of awe and wonder
• Care for nature and living things
• Loving our neighbours as ourselves

Marwood Church of England Infant School uses this language and the concept of wows, ows and nows.

 

Awe and Wonder

Children are born inquisitive, and it is our duty to nurture this natural curiosity and guide them towards looking at the world and noticing, with awe and wonder, the natural and man-made delights all around us. We want to encourage them to ask ‘big questions’ about life, religion, nature, science and any other area of fascination.

 

Caring for Nature and Living Things

We provide many opportunities for children to learn about nature and the role they play in protecting our world as a global neighbour. As a Church School, this is especially important. We have a very active Trinity Group. We have provided bird feeders, children take part in Wild June, RSPB big garden bird watch, look after hens and have a vegetable patch. Through science, foundation subjects and RE, children learn about the world and how they can care for living things. Our School has been awarded a Gold Healthy Schools Award, Silver Green Tree Award as well as Bronze Global Neighbours Award.

 

Loving our Neighbours as Ourselves

We are a very caring school and pride ourselves on our ethos of family. Through our Christian Values, we teach children to care for friends, family and the community, acting to support our neighbours. Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to learn and react to world issues.

  

Children’s spiritual development is fostered through all aspects of our provision. It is about the relationships and the values that we consider to be important, as well as the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. We give children opportunities to:

 

• Express personal beliefs and compare views with others, sharing feelings and opinions through discussions and stories.
• Begin to develop their own system of beliefs which may or may not include religious beliefs.
• Experience a love of learning through rewarding their enthusiasm and by encouraging exploratory play and learning.
• Reflect upon the world around them and show a sense of awe and wonder towards aspects of the natural world or human achievement.
• Reflect on the situations of others through role play, stories.
• Experience a range of stories, music, art, drama and dance
• Allowing time for reflection both inside the school and in the grounds.