Spirituality at Stonham Aspal

Our definition of spirituality at Stonham Aspal:

It is not something that we can see; it is a connection with something bigger than ourselves. It is about awe and wonder, asking ultimate questions, serving and caring for others and nature.

Spirituality is a very personal experience. It differs from person to person. A person can be spiritual without having a particular faith.

When we talk to children about spirituality at Stonham Aspal we will talk about the following concepts to help them grasp what is a complex topic:

Awe and Wonder

Pupils will be given opportunities to reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life and to experience moments of stillness and reflection. We do this at Stonham through collective worship, the worship team, prayer spaces, daily prayer, religious education.

Caring for nature and living things

Opportunities to learn about the natural world and how everyone can play a role in protecting our world. We do this through our eco club, use of the jubilee garden, prayer spaces, links to Suffolk Wildlife Trust, texts used in guided reading, watching Newsround amongst others.

Exploration of ultimate questions

Developing an ability to explore issues around questions of the meaning and purpose of life and death through PSHE, collective worship, Religious Education.

Beliefs and Values

Creating a safe space for the exploration and development of personal beliefs and values, whether shared with others or not which may include the development of religious beliefs.

The individual (Self)

Understanding the individual (self) by developing self-awareness, confidence, personal values and beliefs, and the ability to handle feelings through all the learning and interactions throughout the school day.

Relationship to others

Understanding their relationship to others through openness and awareness to differences, empathy and their place within the wider group and community through PSHE, RE, Collective worship, geography. guided reading and wherever the opportunity arises.