Spirituality at Hampstead Parochial School
Spirituality: Greater consciousness.
Spirituality enables us to become aware of God, ourselves, one another and the world around us. It is an ongoing, reflective journey formed by our response to experiences along the way.
Our Approach to Spiritual Development
At Hampstead Parochial School, our Christian vision, ‘Educating for life in all its fullness,’ underpins all that we do. We aim to enable everyone within our community to flourish and enjoy a life filled with meaning and purpose, rooted in Christian values, a love of learning, and an eagerness to make the world a better place together. As John 10:10 states, ‘I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.’
Relationships are central to spiritual development at Hampstead Parochial School. Our relationships shape our sense of worth and are vital to our well-being, wholeness, and self-image. We aim to nurture relationships that demonstrate that everyone is significant, fostering a sense of self-worth in our pupils. A strong sense of self-worth is essential to a pupil’s attitude toward learning and is the foundation upon which meaningful relationships with others and the wider world are built. We want all our pupils to understand that they are “wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and are deeply loved by God.
Reflecting on how we relate to ‘the other’ is also central to spiritual development at Hampstead Parochial School, whether that be with other members of our community, the environment around us, or with God. It is the understanding that we are part of something greater than ourselves and that we each have a role in shaping the future.
Spiritual Development – Windows, Mirrors, and Doors
To foster spiritual growth, we apply the Windows, Mirrors and Doors Educational Model:
Windows: looking outward at the world’s wonder and problems, connecting with others.
We strive to educate the whole child by offering a broad, enriched curriculum that fosters appreciation and a deep sense of wonder at what is good, joyful, truthful, and beautiful. Additionally, children are given opportunity to confront the world’s challenges and mysteries. Moments of discovery, creativity, and awe can serve as powerful catalysts for spiritual growth. Through collective worship, collaborative learning, whole school celebrations and our core Christian values, children learn to value relationships, community and diversity, and develop a sense of belonging.
Mirrors: Looking inward on our self and our beliefs.
Children have regular opportunities for reflection either independently and with others. There are planned opportunities across the curriculum where we encourage children to explore life’s big questions, searching for meaning and understanding with careful consideration of other children’s personal beliefs and other perspectives. Children are encouraged to ask questions and respectfully challenge and learn to listen to different perspectives which is key to fostering healthy relationships. We ensure that our curriculum includes structured opportunities for pupils to engage with diverse viewpoints.
Doors: Looking onward and acting on this learning to create change or express conviction, fostering a personal spiritual journey from awareness to action and transformation.
Spiritual development occurs when a child’s response to ideas, situations, and experiences demonstrate a growing understanding of their relationship with God, others, and the world around them. Pupils are encouraged to respond to these experiences in meaningful ways, whether by making positive changes in their own behaviour, developing more nuanced attitudes, allowing for differences of opinion, or taking on additional responsibilities. Spiritual development is also evident in purposeful responses to an experience, whether through the arts, acts of service or expressions of generosity.
Spirituality across the School and Curriculum
Please see documents linked below for an overview of Spirituality at Hampstead Parochial School and in our curriculum.
