Spirituality

Our school Definition of Spirituality:  ‘Spirituality is ‘relational consciousness’ where by individuals relate to self, others, the world around them and to a divine other’

Rebecca Nye

Children's definition of Spirituality: 'It is what makes me, me and you, you'.

Spirituality at Bickleigh Down C of E (Aided) Primary School

Bickleigh Down Church of England Primary School promotes a Christian ethos, and, by example and direct teaching, follows and promotes the teachings of Jesus, whilst recognising that not all of its members will be practising Christians. We recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures. 

How does our school vision and values support spiritual, moral, social and cultural development? 

Our school vision based on Hebrews 10:24 ‘and let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds’ ensures that all staff and pupils see the need to support one another towards a common goal. Just as the writer of the letter to the Hebrews encouraged them to be more Christlike in their actions towards one another, so we as a school family will support each other emotionally and spiritually. We aim to ensure that our school vision is lived out daily and that staff and children live out our values of love, forgiveness, spirit, aspiration and hope in their actions towards one another, making our school a place where everyone feels truly valued and able to share their feelings. We encourage open communication, where people feel listened to and supported, so that we may spur one another on in all that we do.

How do we approach the teaching of Spirituality at Bickleigh Down C of E (Aided) Primary School?

This is a whole school approach. All curriculum areas have a contribution to make to each child's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The integrity and spirituality of other faith backgrounds will be respected and explored. The diversity of spiritual traditions will be recognised, and pupils will be given access to alternative views. All adults model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as unique and valuable individuals and showing respect for pupils and their families. The school community will be a place where pupils can find acceptance for themselves as unique individuals, and where forgiveness and the opportunity to start again is fundamental to the ethos of the school. Pupils should learn to differentiate between right and wrong in as far as their actions affect other people. They will be encouraged to value themselves and others.

'This is Us' Lesson Opportunities 

Spirituality as well as SMSC is woven into all that we do as a school but, once a term, the children have a 'This is Us' lesson.  These lessons focus on the themes found in the Andrew Ricketts' Spirituality grids and help children to understand that we are all individuals with different views but that we can all live well and flourish together.