Spirituality at the Minster Infants
We see spirituality as a sense of awareness and the desire to connect with each other, and the world around us. This is experienced through moments which inspire us to think deeply and reflect, which leads us towards finding purpose and meaning in our lives.
Spirituality is an essential part of life and enabling all to flourish. We provide many opportunities for spiritual development at the Minster Infants. Our curriculum is carefully planned to enable opportunities for connection with the world and each other, for noticing, for awe and wonder, and in turn to be able to reflect and find meaning and purpose. This is enhanced by our use of the ‘Windows, Mirrors and Doors approach’.
Windows: When we look out into the world, we have time to notice and to reflect on what we see, thinking about life in all its fullness. We think about the ‘WOWs’, the amazing wonders, and the ‘OWs’, the things which are confusing or perhaps upsetting.
Mirrors: When we reflect on our own experiences and ask questions about what we have noticed, we can begin to understand how we feel and why, and to learn from each other.
Doors: When we look through the door, we consider what we have learnt and how we want to go out into the world. We think about how we want to respond, the values we want to show, and the ways we can make a difference.
Space Makers
Within our collective worship provision, we have also implemented the OBDE Space Makers programme.
Through Space Makers, children have time to reflect through contemplative exercises based on ancient pathways of meditation and prayer:
- Stilling
- Noticing
- Dwelling
- Mending
- Blessing
They explore:
- becoming aware of one’s surroundings and oneself,
- recognising the absence and presence of faith hope and love in different moments of life,
- listening and finding meaning in the words of the Bible,
- seeking the forgiving and healing of oneself and others,
- discerning how oneself can be a blessing to others.
The idea is to enable all to flourish – a life which is flourishing cannot help making a difference.
