Spirituality
We long that children and adults in our school can flourish academically, emotionally, mentally and physically but also spiritually.
The origin of the word spiritual is the Latin word ‘spiritus’ meaning breath. Breathing is an essential element of human life. Spirituality has something to do with an essence of living and if this is the case, then it affects every part of our lives, including school life. Spirituality can be deeply personal and at Herne Juniors we aim to support spiritual development by providing a safe, open and accepting environment in order that all members of the community can explore their experiences and their beliefs.
Spirituality can be difficult to articulate and express since it is unique to each individual. It can be religious or non-religious. There may be an awareness of the transcendence of God or a higher being. Reflection is a key part of spirituality, turning a feeling or experience, a ‘Wow’ or ‘Ow’, planned or spontaneous, into something deeper.
Whilst collective worship allows us time to breathe and grow spiritually, further opportunities may be found throughout the curriculum as well as outside in the school grounds which includes the field, Woodland School area, Ella’s Garden, the Adventure playground and playground.
The Reflection Tree, found on the plyground, which takes a different theme each month, invites children and adults to take a ribbon and tie it to the tree as a way of helping them think, reflect, pray or acknowledge a spiritual moment.
A new spiritual area in the corner of the playground is currently being developed with ideas from the worship team. This allows anyone at playtime or lunchtime to quietly engage with the objects or images in the space or simply just sit on the benches and ‘just be.’
Opportunties for Spiritual development
