Spirituality

Kessingland Church of England Primary Academy aims to support children in making sense of themselves and the world around them. We aim to help them observe their own responses to different experiences. Our school believes that experiences, both in and out of school, are important to the development of all pupils.

We will create frameworks that help them to consider big, sometimes overwhelming, concepts such as life, death, identity, war, environmental factors etc. but without necessarily offering answers.

These opportunities come through the teaching and learning of our whole school curriculum, particularly our values.

Children will have exposure to spiritual experiences and conversations to know that it exists for everyone, including adults.

English	Students will identify as readers and writers, experiencing how they can communicate with others, express themselves and cultivate identity, an understanding of the world and their place in it in relation to others. Our choice of awe-inspiring topic texts will both value and confirm students’ linguistic, cultural and social backgrounds, and introduce them to cultural and social contexts beyond those they are familiar with. Pupils empathise with characters’ feelings and actions, interpreting thoughts and making connections. Children learn to appreciate the beauty of language by creating art through words and imagination.
Mathematics	We strive for children to develop an enthusiastic approach to maths. We teach maths in a way that is meaningful to children in order for them to understand the relevance and importance of mathematics in everyday life. We make links to other subjects as well as real-world scenarios in order to broaden children’s knowledge and ability to use mathematics in the wider world. Students are given opportunities to apply their knowledge and build their resilience through problem solving. Investigations promote curiosity and discussion and allow pupils to develop their questioning and reflection skills.
Science	Spiritual development is nurtured in Science through opportunities for wonder and asking questions. Children learn about the world and how they can care for living things. They develop awe at the scale of living things and wonder about what is special about human life. As scientists, children demonstrate curiosity, take risks and share observations, investigate and reflect on what they have learnt.
Religious Education	Children learn from stories, celebrations, expressions of faiths and artefacts about religions and worldviews. They consider and reflect on ‘Big Questions’ of meaning, ethics and morals such as the origins of the universe, life after death and good and evil. Pupils engage in rich discussions and debate, foster respect for others and develop curiosity. Pupils visit spiritual places and explore spiritual worship and prayer with planned opportunities for stillness and reflection.
Art	Pupils are introduced to the work of great artists and experience awe and wonder at the achievements of great works of art. Art and Design is a way for pupils to respond to the world, feeling a sense of self-satisfaction in communicating their own individual responses. Pupils draw on their social, historical, geographical and religious backgrounds.
Design Technology	Within Design Technology, we inspire pupils’ creativity and imagination to design, make and evaluate. Pupils consider extraordinary designs and develop awe and wonder through the beauty, functionality and magnitude of designs in the world, including religious and historical buildings. Pupils are encouraged to be reflective learners who evaluate their work and the work of others.
Music	Within Music at Kessingland C of E Primary Academy, children are given opportunities to express themselves in a variety of ways, whether it be through listening to music or creating their own. They are encouraged to respond to a variety of different musical styles and genres, offering their own individual opinions and reactions, whilst also being respectful and mindful of others’ views. Music allows children to experience the sense of joy and wonder of performing together, being both responsible for their own role and part of something bigger.
Physical Education	Pupils have the opportunities to learn new skills and share with others. They experience the freedom to move and compete in activities, developing character and embedding values of fairness and respect. Outdoor activities help them to appreciate nature and sense awe and wonder. Quiet mindful activities such as yoga and deep breathing develop a sense of inner peace and tranquillity.
Modern Foreign Languages	At Kessingland C of E Primary Academy, we enable spirituality development in our MFL curriculum by exploring the beauty of languages from around the world and how different languages are constructed.
History	Through learning about different periods in history, children are able to develop curiosity. Through an engaging, immersive hook, a sense of awe and wonder is created.  Children are able to consider how things would be different if the course of events had been different.
Geography	At Kessingland C of E Primary Academy, we create a sense of awe and wonder in Geography by allowing opportunities for pupils to explore the world around them. Children are given opportunities to ask questions and reflect on their own experiences, before comparing these to other people and places, understanding how the human and physical world can help children identify themselves.
Skills for Life	Through Skills for Life, pupils are encouraged to discuss, share opinions and debate in a safe environment. Children develop critical thinking, resilience, compassion, empathy and understanding. We embrace spirituality by developing an awareness of their own and others’ needs and have a strong sense of community, which inspires them to grow into confident and resilient learners.
Computing	Children are encouraged to be responsible and safe whilst using the internet, thinking of themselves and others. They have opportunities to express themselves through coding and programming, creating media and collating data.
Forest School	We provide opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, self-esteem, communication and confidence in themselves, others and the natural world. Children experience awe, wonder and joy in the world around them, take risks and develop curiosity by asking questions.