Spirituality

At St Michael’s we aim to be a place where everyone can learn, laugh and live life in all its fullness. As a church school, children’s spiritual development is very important to us. We know, the development of spirituality can have a massive influence on a child’s well-being and their mental health and we aim to create an environment that will nurture people’s minds, body and soul. However, we acknowledge it is a deeply personal journey. Spiritual development relates to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone, and is not dependent on religious views.

Spirituality is taught through the Windows, Doors and Mirrors approach.

Windows are for looking out onto the world and becoming aware of its wonders, both the ‘wows’ and ‘ows’; things that are ‘awesome’ and make us wonder and be grateful and things that are ‘awful’ and make us wonder and ask questions. 

Doors are for looking through in order to then act or express a response; for moving on, making choices, and doing something creative, active and purposeful in response. This could be through a change in attitude or behaviour or thinking. It can also be expressed powerfully through music, art and through some form of social action or specific acts of giving.

Mirrors are for looking into and reflecting, alone and together, to see things more clearly, for thinking and asking important questions learning from our own and each other’s responses. We allow time for individual and group reflection and sharing of perspectives. Some subjects and times allow for this specifically, such as Religious Education and Collective Worship but in all subjects, there will be both unexpected and planned opportunities.