Spirituality at St George's
Spirituality at St George's Church of England Academy
"Stand firm in faith; be courageous; be strong; do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13–14
At St George's Church of England Academy, spirituality is at the heart of who we are. We believe that every person is created and loved by God and is therefore of unique worth and value. Spiritual development helps us to understand ourselves, our relationships with others, our place in the world and our relationship with God.
Through opportunities for reflection, wonder, questioning and action, we seek to nurture confident, compassionate and reflective individuals who are able to flourish and live life in all its fullness (John 10:10).
Our vision encourages us to:
- Stand firm in faith as we explore big questions about life, meaning and purpose.
- Be courageous as we respond to challenges and opportunities around us.
- Be strong as we develop resilience, self-awareness and character.
- Do everything in love as we care for one another and God's world.
Windows, Mirrors and Doors
At St George's, we use the Windows, Mirrors and Doors approach to support spiritual development across all aspects of school life.
🪟Windows
Looking Out and Up
Windows encourage us to look beyond ourselves towards God, other people and the world around us.
They help us to notice beauty, wonder, joy and possibility, but also challenge, suffering and injustice. Through these moments, children are encouraged to ask questions, experience awe and wonder, and develop gratitude for the world God has created.
Through our vision, windows help us to stand firm in faith, recognising God's presence in the world and considering how faith can shape our understanding of life.
🪞 Mirrors
Looking Inside
Mirrors provide opportunities to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values and experiences.
Children are encouraged to think deeply, consider different perspectives and explore how experiences shape who they are becoming. Reflection may happen individually or together through discussion, prayer, stillness, worship or learning.
Through our vision, mirrors help us to be strong, developing self-awareness, resilience and an understanding of who God is calling us to be.
🚪 Doors
Looking Through to Act and Respond
Doors encourage us to respond to what we have discovered through our windows and mirrors.
This response may be shown through our actions, attitudes, relationships, creativity, service or leadership. Spiritual development should lead to positive change within us and in the communities around us.
Through our vision, doors help us to be courageous and do everything in love, inspiring us to make a difference through kindness, service, justice and compassion.
Where Does Spiritual Development Happen?
At St George's, spiritual development is woven throughout the life of the school. Opportunities arise both spontaneously and through carefully planned experiences.
Time is given each day for all children and staff to pause and think about the Big Question of the week in a 'mindful moment'.
Children also encounter opportunities for spiritual growth through:
- Daily collective worship
- Pupil-led worship
- Reflection and prayer opportunities
- Religious Education
- PSHE and personal development
- The promotion of our vision and values
- Curriculum learning across all subjects
- Leadership opportunities and pupil voice groups
- Residential visits and educational visits
- Outdoor learning and engagement with nature
- Music, art, drama and creative expression
- Charity work and community service
- Relationships and pastoral support
- Big Questions at home and school
- Celebration events and Christian festivals
Recognising Spiritual Development
Spiritual development is not something that can be measured by a test or score. Instead, it can be seen in the way children grow in character, understanding and relationships.
At St George's, we recognise spiritual development when children are increasingly able to:
- Be guided by their beliefs, values and sense of right and wrong.
- Stand firm in faith whilst respecting the beliefs of others.
- Demonstrate courage when facing challenge or uncertainty.
- Develop resilience and inner strength when things are difficult.
- Reflect thoughtfully on their experiences and learning.
- Show empathy, compassion and understanding towards others.
- Appreciate beauty, creativity and the wonders of God's world.
- Experience awe, wonder and curiosity.
- Engage with life's big questions about meaning and purpose.
- Enjoy moments of stillness, reflection, prayer and contemplation.
- Learn from mistakes and show forgiveness towards themselves and others.
- Express gratitude and thankfulness.
- Value and celebrate diversity within the school and wider community.
- Take action to help others and make a positive difference in the world.
- Live out our values of Love, Faith, Courage and Honour.
Through God's love and guidance, we seek to create a community where every child and adult can flourish, fulfil their God-given potential and live out our vision each day:
Stand firm in faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love.