Spiritual Development

At St Peter's Methodist Primary School, we have built on the research of Rebecca Nye to define our spiritual offer at the school:

- Delighting in all things

- Being absorbed in the present moment

- Eager to explore the boundaries of beyond

- Searching for meaning

- Discovering purpose

Rebecca Nye (2009)

This definition is shared with the children through the use of three visual cues. Children also have the ability to identify when they are feeling spiritual across all curriculum areas via their LO slips.

	Opportunities for children to be aware of the world in new ways, looking out into the world. To wonder about life's 'WOWS.' Things that are amazing. To think about life's 'OWS' that take us by surprise! Learning about life in all its fullness. Windows – Learning about life We give children opportunities to become aware of the world in new ways; to wonder about life’s ‘WOWS’ (things that are amazing and unexplainable as to why they evoke such a response) and ‘OWS’ (things that upset us and cause us to be uncertain). In this, our children are learning about life in all its fullness.
	Opportunities to reflect on their experiences. Looking inside yourself. Consider life's big questions and reach for some possible answers. Learning from life by exploring our own insights and those of others. Mirrors – Learning from life We give children opportunities to reflect on their experiences; to meditate and reflect on life’s big questions and to consider some possible answers. In this, they are learning from life by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others.
	Opportunities for children to respond. Moving onto a new path or situation. To do something creative to develop and apply our ideas. Learning to live out our beliefs and values. Doors – Learning to live life We give children opportunity to respond to all of this; to do something creative as a means of expressing, applying and further developing their thoughts and convictions. In this they are learning to live by putting into action what they are coming to believe and value.

Example LO Slip

Spirituality within our Curriculum

As a staffing team at St Peter's Methodist Primary School, we met to consider where spiritual links appear within our curriculum offer. This exercise allowed us to consider how best to promote awe and wonder in each subject area so that children have a wide range of opportunities to identify when they are feeling spirtually connected.

Subject	Identified Potential Spiritual Links
Maths	- 'Lightbulb moments' - getting an answer correct - Provlem solving - Making connections - Wider links with shapes and visuals - Identifying patterns
Reading	- Discovery of different books and genres - Non-fiction awe and wonder - Making connections - Exploring different cultures - Recognition of self within texts - Escapism - Reading for pleasure and enjoyment
Writing	- Creating own writng - escaping within a task - Understanding GPS - Writing regarding different experiences from other cultures - Use of imagination - Adaptations for all to achieve - Sharing writing with others - Author visits and webinars
Religious Education	- I wonder reflection statements/questions - Listening to others beliefs and experiences - Making connections - Responding to big questions - Reflecting on personal opinions - Exploring different religions - meeting and discussing this together - School trips to visit religious buildings
Collective Worship	- I wonder reflection statements/questions - Accessible for all beliefs - all welcome - Opportunities to sing together - Children have ownership - especially the opening and closing - Community connections
Science	- Cause and effect - Experiments - Investigations - Enquiry based, responding to big questions - Seeing 'real-life' Science in action
History	- Understanding the wider world - Workshops to bring the subject to life - Trips to historical locations - Handling artefacts - Allowing children to share prior knowledge - Music links to explore the sounds of history
Geography	- Field trips - Using the Internet to explore maps - Links to our own experience - Exploring the local area - Building relationships with local people - Understanding of the wider world - Learning about new cultures
Music	- Expressive through movement and music - Learning to play and learn about instruments - Discovering new genres of music - Getting 'lost' in the music
Physical Education	- Teamwork - Learning and mastering new skills - Knowledge of the capbilities of the human body - Growth mindset opportunities - 'I can do it'
Art & Design Technology	- Experimenting with different techniques and materials - Learning about new and inclusive artists - Ownership over what the children have created - Proud moments - Interpreting what art and design means to the individual - All can achieve!
Computing	- Awe and wonder over what can be found on the Internet - Joy and excitement over what can be developed and created - Communication with others - Problem solving - Taking responsibility online
Forest School	- Wonder of the world around the child - New life - Quiet time and reflection - Firepit time for reflection and consideration - Sense of achievement - At one with nature - Independence - Teamwork - Life skills - Transfer of known skills to various situations
Around the School	- Interactions with other pupils and staff - 'I wonder' spirituality questions and prompts - Seeing other children's learning - Reflection areas - OPAL play - Nature-based play - Promoting self-responsibility for behaviour - Displaying the school's Christian Values, in particular the core value of Love.