Spiritual development
Ruswarp CE (VC) Primary School: The Peaceful Place
Our school Wildlife Garden, which we have named The Peaceful Place, is a ‘themed’ garden, comprising of 14 different areas. The garden is used as an outdoor classroom during curriculum time, for relaxation during break times and a place for sharing with family and friends in out-of-school hours.
We are very proud to have received a Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Rose Award for the second year running. The Judge commented that …it was very interesting to hear first hand from the children just how important they feel the Spiritual Corner is to them. I am privileged to teach R.E. across the school and have responsibility for the development of the garden project. My vision for the Spiritual Corner was created with the help of Y6 pupils, who have now left the school, leaving behind them a treasured aspect of ‘The Peaceful Place‘.
This serene corner with seating placed at right angles, screened by a graceful willow and a rich, garnet coloured Acer, really sets the scene for inner peace and tranquillity. Here, the children are developing an awareness of their innermost thoughts and are encouraged to think positively, considering not only their own needs, but those of others. Exploring their thoughts and feelings in this quiet way, and learning to express themselves through prayer, is a rich beginning to their growing spirituality.
Mrs. Jen Taylor, RE Co-ordinator
Lythe CE (VC) Primary School: Developing spirituality in children
Following up on an inspirational one day course led by Mary Stone, we have started to use the technique of stilling and visualisation at our school, Lythe CE(VC) Primary. This is in the early days and is still in the process of being developed further across the school. We have already found that using this technique makes the children more aware of their surroundings, themselves and others and that they are also able to achieve a sense of calmness. It also gives them space to be with their own thoughts and have ‘time out‘ from the everyday hustle and bustle of school life. This in turn can help us and themselves to develop their spirituality within their everyday lives. The aim is that the whole school will be able to use stilling and visualisation right across the Curriculum.
The stilling is an extra technique we can use along side our Circle Time/Group Time and SEAL. If you have any questions or would like a chat, please feel free to get in touch with our school.
Phillipa Corner, RE Co-ordinator
External Websites with Spiritual Development Ideas