Spirituality
Our vision, growing in body, mind and spirit, is underpinned by two Bible verses: “I came that they may have life – life in all its’ fullness” (John 10:10) and "therefore choose [life]" (Deuteronomy 30:19). It is growing in spirit that is harder to quantify, although many can sense when we have ‘enriched the spirit of another’ or experienced awe and wonder.
As a Church of England High School, we have a deep sense of Christian community, and growing in spirit is of vital importance and permeates all our activities.
What is spirituality?
In its most fundamental sense, spirituality is about becoming fully human, fully alive. Traditionally, spirituality has been associated with God, prayer and church, but spirituality permeates every aspect of living, and so it also links to creativity, art, music and serving others. In this sense, it affects the whole life of the school and all members of the school community. It is about identifying and grasping awe and wonder; the ‘wow’ moments, allowing time and space as individuals to be still, to reflect and process.
The Headteacher, together with the Governors and local clergy are responsible for the spiritual life of St Michael’s, although all members of the school community have their part to play in enriching the lives of others.
When referring to personal and spiritual development, relationships are key:
• Relationship with ourselves. How we use our talents, skills, our emotions and how we think about ourselves and life. This might include reflecting on deep questions, taking time to be mindful, or thinking carefully about our character.
• Relationships with others. How we relate to other people, be they pupils, staff, parents, governors, visitors or the wider/global community. This may include working together and celebrating achievements as a team, serving others or being courageous advocates.
• Relationship with the environment and creation. This may include considering what we find incredible about the world, reflection, awe and wonder moments; being good stewards and caring for creation.
• Relationship with God. This may occur at any moment and includes reflection, prayer, worship or an encounter whilst attending a Eucharist service.
Opportunities for spiritual growth
Christian spirituality is at the heart of the church school’s ethos. At St Michael’s our motivation comes from Christian authority; this ensures the provision of an outstanding, distinctly Christian education that is founded on Jesus Christ and a commitment to the gospel. It can be witnessed everywhere, examples include through prayer, enrichment activities, the arts, worship, sport, or Christian values such as unconditional love, peace from well-being, forgiveness, reconciliation in healing relationships, justice, dignity and respect shown to all.
Spiritual growth and flourishing may develop when we:
• Consider our values and worldviews
• Deepen our awareness of others’ worldviews
• Value and respect prayer
• Experience awe and wonder
• Understand koinonia and see our place within the communities we are part of
• Cultivate dignity and respect for ourselves and others
• Encourage a sense of concern and compassion for others
• Understand our emotions and how they impact ourselves and others
• Articulate our feelings
• Are inspired to show courageous advocacy and work for justice
• Reflect on big questions
• Value diversity within the Church and the world
• Value reflection and silence
Our aim is to allow time and opportunities for space and stillness, for moments such as those above that allow us to build a relationship with God, creation, others and ourselves. An important part of that flourishing and growing in spirit, is finding for ourselves the person God wants us to be. Allowing one another to make mistakes along the way and knowing and showing forgiveness when we are truly sorry is also part of our spirituality journey
Spirituality across the curriculum
In addition to daily prayers, reflections, worship and whole school events, there are many opportunities for spiritual development within school time. We are committed to promoting excellence in Religious Education and in worship, worship that is special and distinctive, inspiring, invitational and inclusive. There are key moments for reflection within the taught curriculum in all subjects, Christian Values Enrichment days and school trips. In addition, pupils may get involved in:
• Pupil leadership roles
• Discovery Club- meets during lunchtime for pupils in years 7-9, offers the chance to play games, study the Bible and ask questions about the Christian faith.
• Bible Study Group- for pupils in Years 10 and 11, a time to discuss the Christian faith and what the Bible has to say about issues affecting us today
• Year 9 Enrichment Programme- part of the timetabled curriculum for all pupils in year 9
• The Archbishop Young Leaders’ Award- optional for pupils in Year 8.
At St Michael’s we use the symbol of a tree to represent opportunities for character, personal and spiritual development. The roots of the tree symbolise Christian values and attributes, the branches of the tree represent how we are growing in body, mind and spirit and what the Bible might teach about the issue. Finally, the fruit represents flourishing.
Across the curriculum, we use an image of this tree to highlight these opportunities for reflection, development of our character and to foster growth, both personally and spiritually.
To read about spirituality across the curriculum click here.
To read more about personal and spiritual development, click here.
Many factors may affect a person’s spiritual development, including attitudes, understanding, experience, knowledge, and the influence of others and the world around them. The Church of England holds that spiritual development is important for human flourishing and mental wellbeing. Each human being has spiritual capacities, and we are all capable of growth, of being self-aware and of reflection. All can ‘grow in spirit’ through spiritual experiences, and as humans we can make sense of such encounters through understanding. Humans spiritual responses can impact our lives and can shape how we live.