AREIAC 2012 The Golden Thread Exploring the provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

A People Place If this is not a place where tears are understood, Where do I go to cry? If this is not a place where my spirits take wing, Where do I go to fly? If this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Where do I seek? If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard, Where do I go to speak? If this is not a place where you’ll accept me as I am, Where can I go to be? If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow, Where can I just be me? William J Crocket

The Background The 1944 Education Act stated that: ‘It shall be the duty of the Local Authority for every area for as far as their powers extend to contribute towards the spiritual, moral, mental, and physical development of the community’ The 1988 Education Reform Act stated that: the curriculum in a maintained school promote ‘…the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development at the school and of society’

1992 Education Act Introduced the Office for Standards in Education OFSTED. Each school now had a legal requirement to promote: ‘pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development’. Ofsted was charged with inspecting this aspect of a pupil’s education Ofsted 2012 The judgement grade for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development now sits in the judgement for overall effectiveness.

Inspectors must base their judgements on the main contributory judgements of: Pupils’ achievement including those who have a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 and those who have special educational needs The quality of teaching Leadership and management Pupils’ behaviour and safety

In addition, How well the school provides positive experiences for all pupils by promoting the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through planned and coherent opportunities in the curriculum and through interactions with teachers and other adults

Pupils’ Spiritual Development ‘Spiritual development is like a bird: if you hold it too tightly, it chokes; if you hold it too loosely it flies away. Fundamental to spirituality is the absence of force’ Rabbi Hugo Gryn ‘Spiritual development is like a bird: if you hold it too tightly, it chokes; if you hold it too loosely it flies away. Fundamental to spirituality is the absence of force’ Rabbi Hugo Gryn

What is Spiritual Development? Beliefs – The development of personal beliefs (for some, religious) and an appreciation that people have individual and shared beliefs and values which contribute to personal identity Awe, Wonder and Mystery – being inspired by the natural world, mystery and human achievement Experiencing Feelings of Transcendence – Feelings which may give rise to belief in the existence of a divine being Beliefs – The development of personal beliefs (for some, religious) and an appreciation that people have individual and shared beliefs and values which contribute to personal identity Awe, Wonder and Mystery – being inspired by the natural world, mystery and human achievement Experiencing Feelings of Transcendence – Feelings which may give rise to belief in the existence of a divine being

Self-Knowledge – A self awareness in terms of thoughts, feelings and emotions. A growing sense of self esteem Relationships – recognising the value and worth of each individual. Developing a sense of community and building relationships with others Feelings and Emotions - being moved by beauty and kindness and being hurt by injustice and aggression. Controlling emotions and feelings

Creativity – Expressing inner feelings and thoughts through art, craft, music dance etc A Search for Meaning and Purpose in Life – Reflecting on challenging experiences of life eg suffering, death and beauty. Celebration – Celebrating and valuing the different ways in which human beings celebrate special moments in their life.

The 5 key elements of Spiritual Development

The Sensory Sight Sound Sound Smell Smell Touch Touch Taste Taste

Silence and Reflection

Story

Symbol

Celebration

Worship A Time for Spiritual Reflection Question : In pairs consider the importance of Collective Worship in supporting pupils’ spiritual development. Question : In pairs consider the importance of Collective Worship in supporting pupils’ spiritual development.

The Sensory Sight Sound Sound Smell Smell Touch Touch Taste Taste

Examples

Symbol The dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit

Story