Spiritual Development
At St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, we believe spirituality is about growing in understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us. It is about asking big questions, experiencing awe and wonder, reflecting on what matters most and developing a sense of belonging, purpose and connection. Rooted in our Christian vision and values, we believe spirituality is for everyone and can be experienced in many different ways through reflection, relationships, creativity, nature, worship and everyday life. We aim to provide opportunities for all members of our school community to grow spiritually, flourish as individuals and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Our Vision
At St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, our vision for spiritual development is rooted in our belief that every child should be supported to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Guided by our vision to Believe and Achieve to be the best that we can be, we encourage children to develop confidence in who they are, build meaningful relationships with others and explore their place within the wider world. Through our Christian values, particularly Koinonia, we seek to nurture a strong sense of community, belonging and connection, helping children understand the importance of compassion, reflection and service towards others. We aim to provide opportunities for all members of our school community to experience moments of awe and wonder, ask big questions, reflect deeply and grow in understanding of themselves, others, the world and, for many, their relationship with God.
As part of this journey, we encourage children to recognise their own potential and understand that, with faith, support and guidance, they can flourish and become the very best version of themselves. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:26, “With God, all things are possible.”
What Might Spiritual Development Look Like in Our School?
we value opportunities for spiritual development throughout the curriculum because they help children make sense of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Some of these moments arise naturally in everyday school life, while others are carefully planned to ensure all pupils experience meaningful opportunities for reflection, growth, and connection.
We encourage children to be curious and ask questions, to experience awe and wonder, and to reflect on what is truly important. Through moments of stillness, prayer, worship, discussion, creativity, and time spent in nature, pupils are supported to develop gratitude, self-awareness, belonging, and a sense of purpose and value.
Spiritual Development Days
At St Michael’s, our Spiritual Development Days are a special part of school life, taking place four times a year to give our whole community time to pause, reflect, wonder and create together. These days encourage children to explore life’s “big questions” in a safe, thoughtful and inspiring environment. Questions such as “What is true happiness?”, “What makes you, you?” and “What is freedom?” invite children to think deeply, share ideas and reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. Through Christian stories and scripture, outdoor learning, art, drama, music, discussion and creative activities, children are given the space to develop spiritually in their own unique way. Each class documents their reflections in a shared Spiritual Development Journal, creating a beautiful record of growth from EYFS through to Year 6. These days nurture curiosity, compassion, resilience, creativity and awe and wonder, helping our children grow in faith, confidence and understanding of themselves, others and the wider world while living out our vision to “Believe and Achieve to be the Best that we can Be.”
Windows, Mirrors and Doors
At St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, we use the Windows, Mirrors and Doors approach to help nurture spiritual development across the curriculum and wider school life. This framework encourages children to explore the world around them, reflect deeply on their own thoughts and experiences, and consider how they can respond positively to others and the wider world. Through meaningful opportunities for discussion, reflection, creativity and action, children are supported to grow in curiosity, empathy, understanding and compassion as they continue on their own individual spiritual journey.
Windows: Opportunities to look out and learn about the world, other people and new ideas.
Mirrors: Opportunities to reflect on ourselves, beliefs, feelings and experiences.
Doors: Opportunities to respond, grow and make a difference.