Spirituality is being absorbed in the present moment and eager to explore boundaries of beyond and other searching for meaning. It involves an awareness of mystery and its value to human flourishing. It includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it involves a search for meaning in life. 

As a church school we believe that spirituality should influence all areas of education and life. Spiritual development is not about becoming more spiritual, it is about realising or becoming more and more aware of one’s natural, innate spirituality.

We create moments and opportunities to consider our thoughts, actions and our senses. It is the capacity to be still and reflect with awe and wonder on the beauty and possibilities of the human and natural world ... and beyond. Reflective thinking on self, others, the wider world and beyond is encouraged through the Mirrors, Doors and Windows approach. 

We believe that spirituality begins within us and reaches out to others, to the world and beyond as we explore big questions about humanity, faith and belief. With our school values at the centre of all we do, we seek to develop spirituality through four key areas: 

Ourselves: Mirror

Everyone is spiritual whether they have a faith and follow a religion or not. At Upton Noble Church of England Primary School children and adults have the opportunity to ask, what makes me tick? We seek to nurture and celebrate the unique value and self-worth of each member of our school family and to develop confident individuals.  

Others: Door

We are all part of the community - here in school, elsewhere, locally and globally too! We learn how empathy, compassion and other values affect relationships. Spirituality helps us to understand how our actions can have an impact on others. We learn that others have different perspectives/views from me. 

The World: Window 

We can recognise the beauty of the physical world and our responsibilities to care for it. During worship and our curriculum, we consider current events from around the world, prompting us to think deeply about the situations others face, and what part we can play in our world.  

Beyond: Candle

Thinking beyond relates to the transcendental, outside of the 'everyday' experience. Pupils have the opportunity to reflect on how people have different views of what is 'beyond.' It is about grappling with the 'unanswerable' questions. At Upton Noble Church of England Primary pupils are also encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with God. 

Big Questions: 

Within our worship and curriculum, we explore big questions to deepen our spiritual understanding. We encourage our learners to be curious and to ask their own questions, too. Children are actively encouraged to spend time reflecting on and asking deep questions in RE. Teachers use music, artwork, photographs, poetry and times of stillness as opportunities to deepen our spiritual understanding.

Everyone is encouraged to take a moment to stop and be still and reflect during the busy school day.