Spirituality at Turnditch

The Church of England's Vision for Education states a core desire that children will experience life in all its fullness (John 10:10). At Turnditch CE Primary School, we believe that we need to give all our children the chance to allow them to grow into the people God is calling them to be.

This is reflected directly in our school vision:

At Turnditch, we are an inclusive, welcoming and positive family where everyone is valued. We build strong foundations and provide a quality all round nurturing education which develops the whole child. Guided by God’s love, each child leaving our school will love to learn, be confident to make wise choices and make positive contributions to the world they live in.

'We Nurture, Thrive and Learn Together with God’

Spirituality development within the Ethos of the Daily Life of the School:

At Turnditch CE Primary School we view spiritual growth as becoming more and more aware of one’s natural, innate spirituality. These opportunities happen throughout each and every day as our pupils develop as children and Christians.

We support the spiritual development of our children through:

The curriculum: through RE lessons and PSHE we encourage children to engage with life's big questions and to consider their own ideas and thoughts about these. We look at a a range of differing religions and viewpoints. Subject leaders have thought about 'Wow' moments in the curriculum, so that children can experience awe and wonder
Reflective spaces: we have quiet spaces through school where children have space to think. practice mindfulness, reflect or pray.
Mindful moments: through the day, adults provide moments of quiet for children to support their well-being and to embrace the 'now'. The invitation to pray is offered during these still, quiet moments
Collective worship: collective worship is our time to be quiet and reflective together, to be thankful for ask for support, to discuss ideas and find out what is going on in the world. Children take an active part in collective worship, leading prayers or giving presentations or sharing messages or celebrations.
Our school values: our values of Faith, Love, Curiosity, Thankfulness, Kindness, Respect, Honesty, Resilience, Responsibility and Empathy are rooted in Christian values. We explore one of these each half term over a two year cycle, and give children opportunities to develop and demonstrate these qualities. We explore linked Christian values, bible stories and verses and look at cultural capital which supports those 'wow' moments, including pieces of music or art
Our Church links: our local church, All Saints', plays a important role in supporting children's spirituality. We visit regularly for services led by Reverend Rachel where the children play a full and active role. Reverend Rachel also comes to school regularly to lead collective worship and to lead workshops on aspects of faith, helping children explore their spirituality through the Christian framework.

The Language of Spirituality

Our language of spirituality begins from a Christian understanding that everyone is a valued creation, individually and uniquely made by God, like pots made by a potter. Yet in life things happen that impact on the physical ‘pot’ of life and create cracks that provide a glimpse of something ‘beyond’ the tangible. Christians would view this as an opportunity to relate to God.

The Golden Glue

In these special moments there is a spiritual opportunity.

Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken ceramics with golden joinery or glue, creates something that has been broken into something differently beautiful and even more valuable. Using this metaphor, the ‘wows’, ‘ows’ and ‘nows’ of life offer the possibility of becoming cracks that are filled with gold, adding significance and value to life. In all these moments, there is an opportunity to invite God to be involved in making sense of these experiences.

We use ‘ Wow Ow and Now’ to help explain spirituality.

Everyone will respond differently to WOW, OW and NOW moments, therefore making each crack unique to us as individuals.

WOW Moments

Cracks may be caused when something so good and breath-taking happens that the pot expands and cracks – the wows of life.

OW Moments

Cracks may happen when something challenging happens and threatens the comfort of everyday – the ows of life.

NOW Moments

Cracks can also happen in the stillness and ordinariness of everyday – the nows of life. A moment of stillness, a pause or prayer can create a crack in the normal, physical everyday.

We help each other to recognise these moments in life and to reflect on events that make us who we are.

Spirituality at Turnditch Leaflet

Spirituality is about how we experience life and therefore how we live our own lives! It is also about our relationship with our self, others, the world and with God. It even makes us aware of things bigger than ourselves and this often makes us say ‘wow’ but sometimes ‘ow’. It gives us the confidence to reflect, ask questions and challenge in many ways. It reminds us that we are valued and all unique.

To help everyone in school understand their developing spirituality staff explain it using clear language and symbols supported by the work of Liz Mills around ‘Windows, Mirrors and Doors.’ These symbols and explanation can be seen in every classroom in reflection areas and the symbols are used around school to show where evidence of developing spirituality can be seen.

How can I support my child's Spiritual Development?

If you are a parent/carer and would like to further understand more about how to support your child’s Spiritual Development please look at the video below from the National Institute for Christian Education nicer.org.uk: