Spirituality at The Cathedral School
Our Vision for Spirituality
Our vision drives and supports the ethos of our school and the policies and practices within it. We believe that spirituality is the golden thread that runs through our school. We attach great importance to it for both children’s development and for the growth and well-being of all within our school community.
Our Christian vision shapes our approach to spirituality, while fully respecting that pupils will engage with spirituality in different ways, regardless of faith background or belief.
Our shared understanding is:
At the Cathedral School, spirituality means supporting our whole community in understanding themselves and others,
finding meaning and connection within the world and beyond and discovering the strength to flourish in both joyful and difficult times.
What do we mean by Spirituality?
At The Cathedral School, spirituality is about:
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asking and reflecting on big questions about life, meaning and purpose
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experiencing awe and wonder in the world around us
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developing self-awareness and a sense of identity
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reflecting on experiences, thoughts and feelings
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connecting with others, the natural world and, for some, with God
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expressing creativity, imagination and response
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finding stillness, calm and space to reflect
Children using our head, heart, hands worship board
Our approach to Spirituality
We use the language of Heads, Hearts and Hands at The Cathedral School. This is evident in collective worship as well as the curriculum and enables children to think about spirituality in the following ways.
Heads – Thinking, wondering and making meaning – learning for ourselves
The head refers to curiosity, questioning, reflection, imagination, learning and meaning-making. It encourages awe and wonder, big questions and theological thinking. The ‘Head’ supports our value of Wisdom.
Hearts – Feelings, relationships and Inner life – learning about how things effect ourselves and others
The heart involves emotions, empathy, relationships, stillness and inner awareness. It supports our values of Compassion and Hope and develops forgiveness and an awareness of God’s/divine being’s presence.
Hands – Actions, choices and living our belief
The hands represent actions and choices, expressing spirituality through behaviour, service, generosity, justice and stewardship. It supports our value of Courage.
How We Know It Makes a Difference?
We see spiritual growth when pupils:
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ask thoughtful questions
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show empathy and compassion
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reflect on experiences
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express ideas creatively
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demonstrate calm, care and respect
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talk about what matters to them
- take action
This evidence is seen in pupil voice, learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
Our spirituality Policy is avaiable below to browse for further information regarding spirituality.
| Spirituality Policy.pdf |
