What is Spirituality to us?

Spirituality is a feeling inside - we cannot always see it, but we can sense it deep within. It helps us feel peaceful, curious, and full of wonder. Spirituality involves asking big questions about life, feeling part of the amazing world around us, and knowing that we are connected - to each other, our community, the world, and even beyond.

Spirituality helps us feel a powerful connection we can’t always see, but we can feel. It is, as David Holmes shared, a way in which we experience and connect with the here and now, and the reality of where we are.

Spirituality and Our Vision

At Little Gonerby Church of England Primary Academy, Spirituality is the golden thread that runs through every aspect of our school life. Spirituality is not R.E, it is not Collective Worship - it is part of what we do. Spirituality is a core component to ‘living life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10) as the mind, body and soul needs to be nurtured equally.

At Little Gonerby, spirituality helps us live our vision.

Cherishing Everyone – by noticing and valuing the feelings, ideas, and uniqueness of every person.

Flourishing Together – by growing curiosity, kindness, and a sense of connection with each other and the wider world. When we explore our inner thoughts and feelings, we learn to care for ourselves and others, helping everyone to flourish as part of our school family.

Our Approach to Spirituality

We use a school-wide model to help children and adults talk about spiritual development in everyday life. It is based on the work of Rebecca Nye.

Fostering Spirituality at Little Gonerby

Spirituality is interwoven throughout every day life at Little Gonerby.

Collective Worship: Spaces for prayer, questioning, reflection and stillness. Pupils contribute prayers and lead worship regularly.

Relationships and Behaviour: Restorative approaches that focus on healing, forgiveness, and dignity. Children, staff and our community at the heart of everything that we do. Daily routines include space for reflection and gratitude (e.g. end-of-day thankfulness), calm and prayer spaces. Class 'Hope Boards’ where children reflect on inwards and outwards moments of hope.

Curriculum: Opportunities for awe & wonder and questioning across subjects, particularly in Science, English, Art, Music and R.E. Planned moments of awe and stillness (e.g. listening to music, observing snowfall, appreciating art). Opportunities to be at one with nature - walking, gardening, observing animals & nature.

Wider Life: Clubs, trips, outdoor learning, and community engagement offer diverse opportunities for pupils to experience awe, wonder, connection, and belonging.