Spirituality at Ilsington Church of England School

At Ilsington C of E Primary School, we define spirituality as:

“An awareness of our relationship and connection with ourselves, with others, with the world, and with the beyond.”

These four elements — self, others, world, and beyond — form the foundation of our work with children as we nurture a strong sense of spirituality across our school community.

As Terence Copley said:

“Spiritual development is the development of an awareness that there is something more to life than meets the eye — something more than the material, something more than the obvious, something to wonder at, something to respond to.”

Spirituality is a deeply personal and evolving journey. At Ilsington C of E, we value and respect each child’s autonomy, allowing them the space and freedom to develop their own beliefs and values as they grow. We believe that a supportive, open and inclusive environment is key to nurturing each child’s spiritual exploration and growth.

Through our approach to spiritual development, we help pupils to be reflective about their own and others’ religious and non-religious beliefs, and to show genuine curiosity, empathy and respect for different people’s feelings, values and faiths. We encourage a sense of awe, wonder, and fascination in learning about themselves, others, and the world around them — including the unseen and intangible.

Spirituality is all around us. You cannot see it, but you can feel it. It is about taking time to notice and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments, the awe and wonder in the world, and the importance of asking thoughtful questions. It is unique to each of us, and it flourishes through our connections — with ourselves, with others, with the world, and with something beyond ourselves.

At Ilsington C of E School, we seek to recognise, share and celebrate spirituality, giving our children the time, space, and encouragement to let their spirituality grow and flourish.

Spiritually developed children love and accept themselves and build positive relationships with others. They take joy in the world around them, are open to what lies beyond the material (which may be expressed through faith in God), and show empathy, imagination, and creativity. They appreciate moments of quiet and reflection, possess a strong moral sense, and take delight in discovering new skills and ideas.

Awe and Wonder

Do you remember that feeling as a child when you saw something so amazing you said, “Wow, that’s awesome!”?
That is awe and wonder — and at Ilsington C of E, we believe this magical feeling should be fostered and celebrated across all areas of learning, for both children and adults.

As a Church of England school, we help children to understand the world as a special and sacred place. We equip them with the language, tools and confidence to make sense of life and their experience of being human within an inclusive, caring Christian environment — one that encourages them to flourish as respectful, compassionate and self-aware members of society.

We feel privileged to play an active role in the spiritual development of our pupils, encouraging reflection, enquiry and a sense of “something other.”

Windows, Mirrors and Doors

We use the ‘Windows, Mirrors and Doors’ approach to guide spiritual reflection and conversation.

• Windows provide opportunities to look outward — to notice and wonder about the world and the experiences of others.

• Mirrors encourage children to look inward — to reflect on their own thoughts, beliefs, and questions, such as “What does this mean for me?”

• Doors invite children to look forward and outward — to act upon their reflections and make a positive difference in their own lives and in the wider world.

Our Christian vision and values underpin everything we do. They shape how we provide children with the skills, tools and language to understand life, grow in faith and wisdom, and live well together. At Ilsington C of E School, we aim for every child to learn deeply, live kindly, and flourish fully.

We also love to share our WOW moments — times of awe, joy and discovery — as reminders that spirituality is alive and thriving in every corner of our school.