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

“Spirituality is about our relationships with ourselves, our
family, friends, those around us, to God and to all of creation.”
Prof. Ursula King

Spirituality is a very personal experience. It differs from person to person and often spirituality changes within people during their lifetime. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith.

At Patterdale we use age appropriate language to define spirituality, so when talking to our children we will refer to a sense of awe and wonder – including a sense of fascination and enjoyment in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, including caring for nature and living things. This is enhanced through our spectacular environment that we have here at Patterdale. We use imagination and creativity in their learning and a willingness to reflect on their experiences to help children make sense of the world around them.

As a church of England school, we also foster this spirituality as part of our daily acts of worship, where children are encouraged to reflect on the stories and find their own meanings in them.  Over the time that a child is in school with us they can experience and participate in a variety of spiritual disciplines from prayer to meditation (and much more) and learn a little more about their own spiritual identity.

Windows, Mirrors and Doors

Windows Mirrors and Doors is a way of engaging in spiritual discussion.

Windows: Giving pupils opportunities to become aware of the world in new ways. Learning about life in all its fullness. This includes both the things that amaze them and also challenge them.

Mirrors: Giving pupils opportunities to reflect upon their experiences. To meditate on life’s big questions and to consider some possible answers. Learning from life, by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others.

Doors: Giving pupils opportunities to respond, to do something creative in order to express, apply and further develop their thoughts and convictions. Learning to live by putting into action their beliefs and values.