Spirituality is not something we can see; it is something that we feel inside ourselves. The language of spirituality begins from a Christian understanding that everyone and everything is a valued creation, individually and uniquely made by God. At St Mary’s we believe spirituality is about:

• Being aware of ourselves and the world around you
• Promoting awe and wonder – the wow factor
• Values and beliefs – the big questions
• Emotions

Spirituality is the heartbeat of our school. It is how we understand ourselves and our place in the world: recognising strengths, weaknesses and having the confidence to challenge ourselves. We care for the local and global community and our Christian values underpin our learning and encourage our children to ask and answer ‘big questions’.

At St Mary's, we use the analogy of Windows, Mirrors and Doors to describe the process of turning a spiritual moment into an opportunity for spiritual growth. 

Windows are for looking out onto the world and becoming aware of its wonders, both the ‘wows’ and ‘ows’; things that are ‘awe-full’ and make us wonder and be grateful and things that are ‘awful’ and make us wonder and ask questions. The whole curriculum and life itself are full of opportunities to recognise this sensitively.

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. In schools, we must allow time for this 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 opportunities, unexpected or planned, when things just ‘crop up’. Handled sensitively, it is possible to make the most of all these times, if there is ongoing deliberate and corporate staff and pupil support.

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