Moral and Spiritual Development

Moral & Spiritual Development

Introduction
THIS DOCUMENT IS a statement of the aims and principles governing the promotion of the spiritual and moral development of our pupils.
IT WAS DEVELOPED during Spring 2004 in consultation with staff and with reference to guidelines published by the Diocese.
IT IS IN LINE WITH our mission Statement and the aims of the school.
IT WAS APPROVED BY GOVERNORS in
IT WILL BE REVIEWED every three years. Next review will be Spring 2007

Rationale
Spiritual and moral development are fundamental to the growth of children as responsible, caring human beings. They underpin all aspects of learning and there are opportunities for them to be encouraged across all areas of the curriculum. The school is committed to provide a rich learning environment within a Christian framework. By stimulating curiosity and imagination children are encouraged to experience a sense of wonder, mystery and awe. Within the Christian ethos of the school, children are encouraged to develop beliefs and values which give structure and meaning to their present life and prepare them for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of adult life. An important part of this is to develop a clear understanding of right and wrong and to explore such concepts as love and forgiveness. This policy is, therefore, closely allied to the policy for Religious Education.

Aims
It is recognised that the school can only contribute to what is a long process, which takes place partly in areas outside the school's influence. However, there are recognisable stages in the spiritual and moral development of children and the school aims to foster these in all aspects of life, both inside the classroom and outside. It is intended to provide a framework for the children which is consistent with other related policies such as Religious Education, Behaviour and Personal, Social and Health Education and which supports the aims and ethos of the school.

Objectives
The school will provide opportunities for children to:
· recognise the existence of self and of others and the relationships between them.
· gain an appreciation of the natural world and their place in it.
· develop an ability to reflect on experiences and to explore their meaning.
· develop a sense of awe and wonder and an ability to look beyond the obvious and superficial.
· gain understanding of, and respect for, the diversity of religious and cultural beliefs while growing in their understanding of the Christian faith.
· develop their own personal beliefs and values and apply them to social issues.
· explore their ability to be inspirited, to be creative and to become totally absorbed in their experiences.

Provision

Spiritual Development
The school's provision for spiritual development is not confined to Collective Worship and Religious Education but is supported by them. Across the curriculum opportunities will be provided for pupils to:

· exercise intellectual curiosity, imagination creativity and intuition through for example, poetry, art, drama, dance, scientific exploration and a discovery of pattern and order in both natural and man-made things.
· develop a sense symbolism, allegory, myth and metaphor.
· discover the spiritual claims of the Christian faith and begin to understand the non-material dimension of life.
· share in the life of our local Anglican church.
· explore the meaning of ultimate truths such as life, death, suffering and beauty.
· develop personal beliefs and produce work which reflects them.
· develop respect for other people and their beliefs.
· learn to live with failure of themselves and others.
· learn to use and enjoy silence.

It is recognised that not all aspects of this policy will be catered for equally in all parts of the curriculum.

Moral Development
The moral development of children is linked to their spiritual development and supported by the ethos of the school and the behaviour policy. Opportunities will be provided to:

· understand and experience the moral dimension of the Christian faith.
· understand the behaviour policy of the school, the underlying reasons for its existence and learn from the good example set by adults in the school.
· discover the meaning of right and wrong and make appropriate choices based on that understanding .
· develop their understanding of the concept of forgiveness and be encouraged to extend and receive it.
· experience the importance of belonging to a community and understand the balance between rights and responsibilities.
· explore the Christian concept of love.

Monitoring
Monitoring will focus on the provision for spiritual and moral development. Rather than formal assessment, it will be carried out by governors and the Headteacher. If the provision is correct it should be reflected in the behaviour of the children. Feedback from visitors will also be another measure.