‘What is spirituality?’ Spirituality means different things to everyone based on our own life experiences or world views. Spirituality is not something we can see; it is something we feel inside ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking questions and being aware of something bigger than ourselves.

Our approach to developing spirituality is rooted in ourselves-others-beauty-beyond. 

Self

We help children understand who they are and what makes them special. Children learn to talk about their feelings, recognise their strengths, and develop confidence in themselves.

Others

We encourage children to care for and respect others. Through play, stories and daily experiences, children learn kindness, empathy, sharing and how to build positive relationships.

Beauty

We help children notice and enjoy the wonder of the world around them. Children explore nature, creativity, music, art and imaginative experiences, developing a sense of awe and appreciation for beauty.

Beyond

We encourage children to ask questions and wonder about the world. Children explore big ideas, discover different beliefs and traditions, and develop curiosity about things that are greater than themselves.

These four areas support children's spiritual development, helping them grow in confidence, compassion, curiosity and appreciation of the world around them.

To nurture spirituality at St Mark's we

• Provide time and space for stillness, wondering, reflecting, questioning, listening and allow children to simply ‘be’.
• Consider the process of learning as well as the end result. Providing opportunities for children to be the 'boss of their own learning' to express their learning creatively as they explore and try to make sense of the world.
• Encourage the use of imagination to facilitate a sense of empathy and emotion and to allow children to reflect.
• Build trusting relationships; opening the doors to the journey of life.

Signs of spirituality can be seen in

• Asking big questions
• Deepening connections with other people
• Experiencing compassion and empathy for others
• Feelings of awe and wonder
• Seeking happiness beyond material possessions or other external rewards
• Seeking meaning and purpose
• Wanting to make the world a better place