Spirituality
Our approach to spirituality:
Our Understanding of Spirituality is that of ‘Something More’. Spirituality is the recognition of ‘Something More’, than the physical world which we experience with our senses. It is being aware of our inner selves, our relationships with each other, the world and all creation, and, for believers, with God. Spirituality is to do with the search for individual identity, with our ability to reflect on and respond to both wonderful and challenging experiences. Spirituality relates to the fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone.
As Aristotle said,'‘Education of the mind without education of the heart is no education at all,’ Aristotle.
There are ten spiritual capabilities we develop and nurture during the pupil's time at Brimscombe C of E (VA) School. Each capability is linked to the Bible.
| Capability | Bible reference |
| Be self-aware and learn to empathise with the experience of others as relationships deepen and an understanding of interdependence grows. |
So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them. Genesis 1. 27 |
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be guided by their beliefs and values and be willing to take a stand to defend them |
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6.14 & 15 |
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Appreciate and be thankful for what is good in life and show generosity towards others
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Be thankful in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5. 18 |
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love themselves, care for themselves, believe in their potential to achieve, and find inner strength and resilience when facing challenges
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‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1. 9 |
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Exercise imagination and creativity, appreciate beauty in the world and be alive to experiences of awe and wonder |
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is humankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8. 3&4 |
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Be intrigued by mystery and be open to an awareness of the transcendent in the whole of life |
Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Ecclesiastes 11. 5 |
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Be comfortable with stillness and silence and open to engage in reflection/meditation/prayer
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Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46. 10 |
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Be ready to say sorry when mistakes are made, to forgive themselves and to forgive others |
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 145. 8 |
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Be willing to take risks and to reflect, learn and grow following experiences of failure as well as success
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David replied, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17. 37 |
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Demonstrate curiosity and open mindedness when exploring life’s big questions
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Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1. 46, 47 |