Spirituality

What is Spirituality?

We draw upon Dr Maya Spencer’s definition of spirituality from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which describes it as:

“The recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.”

Spirituality, for us, means understanding that our lives have significance beyond everyday existence. It is about recognising our place in a purposeful unfolding of life in the universe, and exploring this through curiosity and connection.

We use this definition to underpin our understanding of Spirituality and what it means for our school. At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, we recognise spirituality as the journey of exploring and understanding one's beliefs, values, and purpose in life, through curiosity and fostering a deep connection with oneself, others, and the world, to help understand and embrace our significance and purpose in the world.

We encourage children to explore spirituality in three key ways:

1. Connecting

To Ourselves: Accepting who we are, our purpose, and where life is taking us.
To the World Around Us: Developing caring, two-way relationships with nature and our environment.
To People: Looking beyond the surface to understand and relate to others deeply.

2. Seeking

Specialness: Discovering the unique qualities in people, places, moments, and events.
Meaning: Finding purpose in our lives and in the world around us.
Answers: Exploring questions that go beyond the tangible, accepting that some answers may lie in belief or lead to further reflection.

3. Experiencing

Emotions: Recognising and responding to feelings in ourselves and others.
Awe and Wonder: Experiencing moments of magic and beauty in the world, like a sunset or dew on a cobweb.
Positivity: Celebrating the good in ourselves, others, and our surroundings.

This approach is inspired by Margaret Compton’s work on children’s spirituality, highlighting awareness, values, wonder, and connectedness as core elements.

https://www.peacefulschools.org.uk/application/files/8214/4801/9097/Spiritual_health_booklet.pdf

We have been inspired by Margaret Compton’s ‘Children, Spirituality and Religion’ article that identifies key features of children’s spirituality:

sensing a changed quality in awareness;
sensing values, ideas about good and evil or what matters;
sensing mystery, wonder and awe;
sensing meaning or insight or connectedness.

Spirituality in Practice at Our School

Our Christian values of fairness, forgiveness, kindness, respect, and service are embedded in all aspects of spiritual development. Here are some ways spirituality is fostered daily:

Warm Welcome: Visitors and families are greeted warmly, with opportunities to reflect on a daily Bible verse, learn about our pupils’ achievements, and engage with our community displays.

Soul spaces & Sanctuary:

Soul Spaces: Each classroom has a quiet area for reflection, helping children recognise their thoughts and feelings.
Sanctuary Space: An outdoor area replicates this quiet space, allowing pupils to connect with nature and have peaceful reflection time.

Religious Education Curriculum: Our enquiry-based RE curriculum sparks curiosity, awe, and wonder, encouraging children to explore big questions and diverse beliefs.

Collective Worship: We use reflective vocabulary such as Nows, Ows, Wows, and Vows and Windows, Mirrors, and Doors to help children engage deeply with worship themes and their personal responses.

Reflection Time: Each day ends with a time to reflect—whether through discussion, mindful moments, or gratitude exercises like GIFT (Good, Improved, Friend, Thankful).

PASS Survey: We use the PASS survey (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) to help us understand how children feel about themselves and school. This helps us identify those who may need support with their wellbeing and choose the right strategies to help them.

The Retreat Room: Thanks to PTA fundraising and donations from local businesses and charities, we've created The Retreat Room—a safe and calming space where children can receive social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) support, and staff can also take time to rest and recharge.

Spirituality Through Music

Music plays a vital role in our spiritual life:

Afternoon tea concerts and Christmas carol services
Participation in the ‘Young Voices’ choir trip
Use of calming music in worship and classrooms to focus minds

Connecting with Nature

We provide numerous opportunities for children to develop a spiritual connection with the natural world:

Weekly Forest School sessions for EYFS and KS1
Forest School experience days and therapeutic sessions for KS2 and SEND pupils
An eco garden, Sanctuary Space garden, and diverse outdoor zones including meadows and shaded seating areas
Storytime and learning outside wherever possible

Community Involvement

Our school actively engages with the local community through:

Volunteer-led Community Lend a Hand days to enhance outdoor learning and reflection spaces.
Fundraising events supporting causes such as Macmillan Cancer Support.
Partnerships with local organisations like Uttlesford Food Bank and Radwinter St. Mary’s Church.

Embracing Life in All Its Fullness

Our spiritual provision reflects our commitment to nurturing children who are not only confident learners but also compassionate, thoughtful individuals prepared for life in a diverse and ever-changing world. By fostering spirituality, we help children develop wisdom, hope, community, and dignity in line with our Christian vision.

Join Us on This Journey

We warmly invite parents and the wider community to engage with our spiritual life at Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School. Through shared values and collective worship, we grow together as a family, embracing life in all its fullness.

For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact our school office. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.