Vision and Rationale

At St Mary’s C of E Primary Academy, spirituality is at the heart of our ethos, shaping our identity, relationships, and aspirations. Rooted in our Christian foundation, we nurture a deep sense of awe and wonder, reflection, and personal growth, ensuring that every child flourishes in mind, body, and spirit. Our spirituality is expressed through our core values of Love, Peace, and Hope, guiding us in our journey of faith, learning, and community.

Underpinned by Jeremiah 29:11:
"‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’"

We believe that spirituality enables children to recognise their worth and purpose, equipping them with resilience, joy, and a sense of belonging as they grow.

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality at St Mary’s is understood as the Ows, Wows, and Nows of life:

• Ows – The Challenges of Life: How do we respond to difficulty, suffering, and injustice? How do we show Love, Peace, and Hope in adversity?
• Wows – The Wonders of Life: How do we experience beauty, joy, and awe in the world around us? How do we recognise God’s presence in our daily lives?
• Nows – The Moments of Reflection: How do we take time to pause, think, and seek meaning? How do we use our experiences to grow and deepen our understanding?

Through this framework, we provide opportunities for children and adults to explore spirituality in ways that are meaningful and transformative.

We also draw inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold. This powerful metaphor reminds us that there is beauty in imperfection, and that healing and growth can emerge from life’s fractures.

Just as kintsugi highlights the restored cracks rather than hiding them, we encourage children to embrace their own experiences of challenge and restoration as vital parts of their story.

This reflects our “Ows, Wows and Nows” model, offering another way to explore spirituality by acknowledging brokenness, celebrating transformation, and finding meaning in our journey.

How We Nurture Spirituality

We embed spirituality in all aspects of school life through:

Collective Worship

• Daily acts of worship that inspire reflection, celebrate God’s love, and encourage us to live out our values.
• Opportunities to pray, be still, and listen to God’s voice in our lives.
• Bible stories, reminding us that God’s plans for us are full of hope.
• Time for stillness and calm to connect to the self

Curriculum and Learning

• Encouraging curiosity and wonder through enquiry, creativity, and exploration.
• Providing moments to engage with deep questions about life, purpose, and faith.
• Ensuring learning is inclusive and celebrates diverse perspectives.
• Additional documentation- Spirituality in our Curriculum

Relationships and Wellbeing

• Cultivating an environment where Love, Peace, and Hope guide our interactions.
• Supporting children in their emotional and spiritual growth.
• Encouraging forgiveness, kindness, and reconciliation.

Reflection Spaces

• Prayer and reflection areas in classrooms and outdoor spaces.
• Opportunities for personal and collective moments of stillness and thought.

Impact and Growth

Spirituality at St Mary’s is not a static concept but a journey. We assess its impact through:

• Children’s ability to express and explore their spiritual experiences.
• The way our values are lived out in daily interactions.
• A culture of peace, hope, and love in our school community.

Conclusion

At St Mary’s, we believe spirituality is a gift that nurtures faith, enriches learning, and strengthens our sense of belonging. As we walk in God’s plans for us, we embrace a future filled with love, peace and hope.