Our vision influences the ethos of our school and the policies and practices within it. We believe that spirituality is a core thread that runs through our school and we attach great importance to it for both children’s development and for the growth and well-being of all within our school community.

Spiritual Development at Blue Coat

All areas of the curriculum contribute to pupils’ spiritual development. Spiritual development relates to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone, and is not dependent on a religious affiliation.

At Blue Coat Church of England Junior School we describe spirituality in the following ways. Spirituality is an appreciation and cherishing of what is good, joyful, truthful and beautiful, and, in relationship with others, of what is generous, creative and loving. The spirit of a person is seen in acts of courage and perseverance, in dealing with both setbacks and praise, in endeavour and enquiry. Spiritual learners become increasingly aware of the concept of beyond – a growing relationship with the transcendental and the ability to explore experience beyond the everyday.

Spirituality is delighting in all things, being absorbed into the present moment, not too attached to self, and eager to explore boundaries of ‘beyond’ and ‘other’, searching for meaning, discovering purpose, open to more. (Rebecca Nye)

Aims

In order to foster spiritual development, the school aims to provide children with opportunities to:

• Develop an appreciation of their uniqueness and value as a child made in the image of God;
• Develop an understanding of the distinctive ethos of this church school as well as the context, language and symbolism of the Christian faith;
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the school’s core Christian values and the Biblical teaching that underpins them;
• Experience feelings of wonder;
• Develop an awareness of and respect for other peoples’ beliefs and faiths and the ability to articulate their own
• Develop an appreciation of what it means to be a part of a community (e.g. using their gifts and abilities in the service of others);
• Develop strategies to build good mental health;
• Foster self-awareness and encourage pupils to make informed decisions;
• Develop the skills and language required to enable them to reflect upon the big questions and mysteries of life 
• Begin to understand and make sense of their own feelings and emotions to certain encounters and events that occur in their life;
• Develop an awareness that experiences of disappointment, failure and loss may be occasions for spiritual growth;
• Understand the value of difference and diversity through involvement with others;
• Encourage curiosity, creativity and imagination;
• Develop the ability to reflect upon experiences of awe, compassion, beauty etc
• Develop a capacity to value the natural world, a sense of awe and wonder and a commitment to care for creation.