Spiritual Philosophy
As an Anglican school, and one that espouses a Special Character as part of its Integration Agreement, the spiritual dimension cannot be underestimated. Formal religious education lessons and weekly attendance at chapel provide the Christian framework for the school. The school’s pupil leadership programme and pastoral care are also integral to the spiritual dimension at the school. The spiritual life of the school also includes the Virtues programme which highlights a different virtue each week to be developed and practised by the children and the staff.
The Church of the Epiphany provides the spiritual base for worship, and the vicar of the church is the school’s chaplain. The services, coordinated by the school’s director of religious studies, are child-centred, and are used to introduce the new virtue for the week with a biblical reference. The children lead the service and visiting clergy or staff members deliver the sermon.
Religious Education lessons are completed weekly at all class levels by the school’s director of religious education. The lessons are very much practical and ‘hands on’ for the children and form an integral part of the school’s curriculum. Rather than simply developing specific religious ideology, the programme teachers Christian values, concern for one another, an understanding of the workings of the Church, and an appreciation of other religions and beliefs.