Spirituality
Our shared understanding of Spirituality at Pennington C of E Primary School
There are many definitions of spirituality. Here at Pennington ours is quite simple. We share the understanding that spirituality is about our connection to the world around us and beyond. It goes further than the relationships we value with others and an appreciation for our beautiful environment. It is about a personal response to what we see and feel. It is about asking questions, reflecting and responding, feeling, wondering and sensing all that the world has to offer. It is individual and requires time…
How we develop spirituality at Pennington
We offer lots of opportunities for connection
Home visits, buddies, family groups and themed family days, strong relationships throughout school, Pastoral Lead and Family worker offer support to families, strong relationships with parents, everyone’s role valued, shared celebrations of special events such as Penningtonbury, daily collective worship, Friends of Pennington and community events, Penn pals coffee mornings, sports groups teams and events, Swarthdale visits, playtime activities.
We encourage questions and listening
During lesson times, P4C, Questful RE, debates, school council, staff meetings, parent voice group, governors meetings, collective worship, stories
We appreciate the natural world
OPAL play, Outdoor Learning Days, schools trips and residentials, litter picks, Cumbria in Bloom, Agricultural and farm visits, gardening club
We take time to value each other
Staggered start for Reception, personal open day visits, Head teacher and Pastoral Lead on the gate in the mornings, weekly ‘Special Mention’ assembly, birthday celebrations, FB posts, special celebrations
We provide time
During collective worship and in good times and bad, we say ‘Take a breath, take a moment’ and we encourage everyone to connect to the moment and take what they need from it. Following school council input, a display was created by Reception class and a local artist. This is in the hall and provides a visual stimulus; it includes both our schools chosen Christian values and other thought-provoking words so that everyone can take a breath, take a moment, take… (for example) peace, love, joy, time, patience.
We believe that ‘God gave each of us different gifts and together we can do great things’
Our shared vision was created together over time with guidance from the diocese and is embedded. We are thankful and celebrate our similarities and differences. Everyone believes in teamwork and we advertise for ‘friendly team-players with high expectations’ to support our vision. We are inclusive and supportive. All children and their families, particularly our most vulnerable including those with SEND and those who receive pupil premium funding are cared for and we make our best efforts to meet the needs of all our special and unique individuals.
We understand the difference between religion and spirituality.
We know that some people find meaning, connection, comfort and value through their knowledge that there is something bigger than what they can see. There is some overlap but they are not the same thing.
We care
We create a comfortable space for everyone to explore their own spirituality and we are happy to be challenged on our understanding.
