Spirituality at Herne View

As a school we have looked at the work of Rebecca Nye, who suggests that spirituality can be defined the relationships we become aware of in four areas. (Nye R (2009) Children’s Spirituality: What it is and why it matters London: Church House Publishing)

If you are interested in developing your child’s journey of spirituality maybe you could try some of these at home:

• Spend time in nature, look at the changing seasons or find some trees and flowers and see the beauty and wonder around us.

• Visit our local Library and share books and stories that include moral lessons, values and spiritual themes.

• Encourage your child to do little acts of kindness to explain the importance of compassion and service or maybe volunteer in the community together e.g. Green Ilminster’s Litter Picks

• Introduce your child to a variety of spiritual and religious traditions, helping them understand the diversity of human beliefs and values. As age appropriate, these can be seen and discussed on programmes such as Newsround.

• Encourage children to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings.

• If your child has enjoyed their yoga sessions at school, maybe find some online yoga sessions for them to use at home to help them find their inner peace to be 'in the moment'.

As a school we are developing spirituality across the curriculum and the explanations below show how this is developed in each subject. This is currently being brought together so please come back and see which subjects have been added.

History

The study of History involves a sense of curiosity and the mystery of how and why events in the past happened. It also raises questions as to what could have happened if events resulted in different outcomes. Artefacts are used to give children a sense of the past and aid children in understanding the people who produced and used these objects. Children are encouraged to explore the role played by important individuals, for good or ill, in the shaping of the world we live in. Children also reflect upon different interpretations of the past and how these interpretations have been arrived at.

Geography

Through teaching geography, we can also develop children’s spiritual development. Essentially, Geography is about studying people; where they live and our relationship with the environment. This involves providing children with the opportunities to reflect on their own values and beliefs and those of others. Children may explore what it would be like to live in a squatter settlement, or as a victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster, to living on tropical islands. Children have the opportunity to explore their own feelings about the people, culture, place and environments that they are learning about.

English

Reading:

At Herne View CofE Primary School, spirituality is seamlessly woven into the rich tapestry of our children's reading experiences. As they explore stories, fables, folktales, and poetry, they encounter characters who face moral dilemmas, ethical choices, and moments of self-discovery. These narratives offer opportunities for children to reflect on their own values and beliefs. Literature becomes a powerful tool for exploring diverse perspectives, fostering empathy, and encouraging a deep sense of connection to others. Through tales of courage, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world, reading nurtures the spiritual growth of our children, providing space for reflection, contemplation, and the exploration of universal themes. These stories challenge boundaries and inspire a sense of wonder, helping our children embark on a journey of self-discovery, imagination, and understanding, all of which contribute to their own spiritual growth.

Phonics:

At Herne View CofE Primary School, Little Wandle Phonics scheme plays a key role in not only developing essential literacy skills but also supporting children's spiritual growth. Through the process of learning to decode words and understand the structure of language, phonics provides children with the tools to express and connect with their inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. As children develop the ability to communicate more effectively, they gain confidence in sharing their experiences, ideas, and emotions. This journey of learning to read and write fosters a sense of empowerment and self-expression, supporting the holistic development of their identity, including their spiritual growth. In this way, phonics, while primarily a linguistic skill, plays a key role in nurturing the deeper aspects of a child’s development, enabling them to explore and articulate their thoughts and emotions, which are integral to their spiritual journey.

Writing:

At Herne View CofE Primary School, writing provides a meaningful way for our pupils to explore and express their spirituality. Through activities such as creative writing, genre exploration, and storytelling, children are given the chance to articulate their feelings, thoughts, and spiritual insights. Writing becomes a channel for self-expression, allowing pupils to reflect on and share their inner experiences. As our children create stories, poems, and personal reflections, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, deepening their understanding of their spiritual selves. Writing encourages children in our school to explore life’s deeper questions, such as meaning and purpose, while also nurturing their creativity. In this way, writing is not only a tool for communication but also a key part of their spiritual development, enabling them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to their overall growth.

RE

Spirituality in Religious Education refers to the exploration and development of our inner beliefs, values, and sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.  

Here at Herne View our RE curriculum includes opportunities to develop a spiritual understanding through; 

Personal Reflection: we encourage our children to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. 

Moral and Ethical Understanding: we help our children to understand and develop their own moral and ethical frameworks. 

Sense of Purpose: we support our children to find meaning and purpose in their lives. 

Connection to Others: we foster a sense of community and empathy towards others. 

In RE, spirituality is not confined to any one religion but is about nurturing a holistic sense of well-being and understanding of the world. Our RE lessons will include opportunities for; 

Storytelling and Discussion: We carefully plan to use stories from various religious traditions to spark discussions about moral and ethical lessons. We encourage children to share their own interpretations and relate the stories to their own lives.  

Nature Walks: Children go on nature walks to help them appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Use these experiences to discuss themes of creation, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of all life.   

Art and Creativity: we encourage children to express their spirituality through creative activities such as drawing, painting, or crafting. These activities can be linked to themes explored in RE lessons, such as symbols, rituals, and festivals. 

Big Questions: Every lesson begins with an opportunity to ask and explore big questions about life, existence, and purpose. 

Collective Worship: We incorporate moments of collective worship or reflection into the school day. This can include prayers, songs, or moments of silence that allow children to connect with their own spirituality and the wider school community. 

PE

At Herne View Church of England Primary, spirituality is seamlessly integrated into PE by fostering a sense of community and mutual respect among students. The school highlights the importance of teamwork, encouraging students to support and uplift one another during physical activities. By delighting in movement, particularly when pupils are able to show spontaneity, students experience joy and freedom, which enhances their spiritual well-being. This approach not only improves their physical skills but also nurtures their spiritual growth by promoting values such as empathy, kindness, and cooperation. 

In addition to teamwork, the school incorporates reflective practices into PE lessons. After engaging in physical activities, students are given time to reflect on their experiences, considering how their actions and attitudes align with the school’s Christian values. By taking part in activities such as dance, games, and gymnastics, which help pupils become more focused, connected, and creative, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. This reflection fosters a sense of inner peace and spiritual awareness, helping students to be aware of their own strengths and limitations. 

STEM

At Herne View Church of England Primary School, STEM plays a crucial role in nurturing spirituality by fostering a sense of wonder and awe in our young people’s minds.  

When engaging with scientific concepts and experiments, the children often experience 'wow moments' that ignite their imagination, mirroring the ‘wow moments’ which may happen when considering questions of spirituality.  

Design and technology can inspire children's spirituality by encouraging them to ponder the intricate design of the universe. Through this, children can explore profound questions about existence, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them. 

Moreover, our STEM curriculum helps children to grasp the vastness of the universe and their place within it. Learning about the immense scale of the cosmos and the forces within it can create a sense of humility and awe. This perspective can lead to a greater appreciation for the mysteries of existence and a desire to explore and understand the world around them.  

By integrating these experiences into their learning, STEM not only enhances children's knowledge but also supports their spiritual growth, encouraging them to consider life's big questions and their role in the grand scheme of things.  

Children are also able to consider that some answers cannot be provided by scientific understanding. 

Maths

At Herne View Church of England Primary School, Maths can serve as a bridge to spirituality by fostering a sense of wonder and interconnectedness. Through the exploration of patterns, shapes, and numbers, children can develop an appreciation for the inherent order and harmony in the universe. This understanding can lead to a deeper recognition of the beauty and complexity of creation, encouraging a sense of awe and reverence. Additionally, the problem-solving and critical thinking skills cultivated through maths can help children approach life's challenges with a calm and reflective mindset, aligning with many spiritual practices that emphasise mindfulness and contemplation. By integrating mathematical concepts with spiritual themes, educators can inspire students to see the world through a lens of curiosity and gratitude. 

 Art

Art is an important way for children to explore their faith and express their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Through creative activities, pupils engage with key Christian values such as love, hope, kindness, forgiveness, and respect.

Art encourages children to appreciate the beauty of the world around them and to experience moments of quiet reflection and wonder. Many of our Art projects link closely to Christian festivals, and themes from collective worship, helping children to connect with spirituality in a personal and meaningful way. 

Through drawing, painting, sculpture and other forms of creative expression, pupils develop not only their artistic skills but also their spiritual awareness. Art supports their emotional and moral growth and helps bring to life the Christian values that guide our school community. 

In this way, art plays a special role in nurturing the whole child - creatively, spiritually, and emotionally. Making it a vital part of Herne View Church of England Primary School. 

Skills Builder

At Herne View Church of England Primary school, spirituality is integrated through each strand of Skills Builder, supporting children’s personal growth, emotional awareness, and sense of meaning and purpose. Through this approach, we help children develop a reflective mindset and a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the world around them. 

Personal Reflection:

We encourage children to engage in quiet moments of thought and self-awareness. The essential skill of Listening supports this by helping pupils tune into their own feelings and listen openly to the beliefs and experiences of others. 

Expression and Communication:

We support children to express their values, beliefs, and questions about life. Speaking enables them to communicate these thoughts clearly, respectfully, and with confidence, developing their understanding of self and others. 

Imagination and Wonder:

Spirituality often begins with curiosity. The skill of Creativity is nurtured as pupils explore big ideas, think deeply, and engage with the world through art, stories, and personal responses. 

Hope and Resilience:

We help children to develop a sense of purpose and belief in themselves. The skill of Staying Positive builds their ability to find meaning in challenges, grow through setbacks, and maintain hope for the future. 

Shared Experiences:

Spiritual growth is often deepened through connection. Teamwork helps pupils experience belonging, shared reflection, and collective responsibility. It supports empathy and strengthens their relationships with others. 

Leading with Values:

We encourage pupils show our values of care, respect and friendship. The skill of Leadership supports them in making values-based decisions, standing up for what they believe in, and inspiring others through their actions. 

Moral Decision-Making:

Pupils learn to make thoughtful and responsible choices. Problem Solving helps them weigh up different viewpoints and consider consequences, supporting the development of a strong moral compass. 

Dreaming Big:

A sense of wonder often inspires ambition. Aiming High supports pupils in believing that their lives have meaning and that they can make a difference—both personally and in the wider world. 

By integrating spirituality into every strand of Skills Builder, we provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to look in, out and up as they reflect, connect, and grow. This approach ensures spiritual development is inclusive, purposeful, and embedded throughout the life of the school. 

PSHE

At Herne View C of E Primary School, the PHSE curriculum is designed to nurture the spiritual growth of each child by encouraging them to "let their light shine." This theological underpinning inspires students to explore their own beliefs and values, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Through reflective practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, children are guided to connect with their inner selves and develop a deeper understanding of their purpose and place in the world. The school's values of care, respect, and friendship are integral to this process, helping students to cultivate empathy and compassion in their interactions with others. 

Computing

At Herne View Primary School, we believe that computing is not just about technology—it also offers rich opportunities for spiritual development. Our computing curriculum encourages pupils to reflect on the impact of technology on themselves, others and the wider world, helping them to consider big questions about identity, responsibility and the ethical use of digital tools. We aim to nurture children who are not only digitally literate, but also thoughtful, compassionate, and aware of the values they bring to their online lives. 

Through exploring the power and potential of technology, children are invited to develop a sense of awe and wonder at human creativity. They are encouraged to consider how digital tools can be used to express themselves, tell stories, connect with others and make a positive difference in the world. This reflective approach fosters curiosity, purpose and a sense of belonging in a digital age. 

Spirituality in Computing also means guiding children to understand the impact of their online actions—encouraging empathy, kindness and respect in digital communication. By linking the use of technology to our values and sense of self, we help pupils to grow not only as confident digital citizens, but as individuals with strong moral and spiritual awareness. 

Music

At Herne View, we understand that music inspires creativity, joy, and curiosity. It also nurtures spirituality as children express themselves and connect emotionally through music whether singing, playing instruments, or listening to different genres, they find out more about themselves and emotional growth. By exploring music especially across the ages, genres and cultures, children can discover their inner selves, express their feelings and aspirations, and experience wonder. Music also builds a sense of community as children collaborate in groups or share their musical talents, fostering unity and this can be achieved through our group learning in class, with Somerset Music or through our singing together in acts of Collective Worship.

MFL

At Herne View, our children have the opportunity to explore spirituality in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) as they embrace and explore new languages and cultures. MFL develops children’s natural curiosity and opens their minds to new experiences and to explore the beauty of language and the way it is constructed. Their lessons in French help the children to see beyond their own lives and foster a connection with a difference culture and linguistic background.

Forest School

Learning outdoors provides a special chance to support children's spiritual growth at Herne View. When children spend time in nature, they learn to appreciate its wonders, which sparks their curiosity and empathy for other living beings and ecosystems. Outdoor learning encourages them to notice beauty, observe changes, and ask questions about the world. These experiences help children feel connected to something bigger than themselves.