Spirituality influences all we do at Archbishop Cranmer: it is what breathes life into our whole school community and enables us to live life in all its fullness. Here, spirituality is who we are at our deepest level. It is about our relationships with ourselves, our family, friends, those around us, with God and all of creation. 

At Archbishop Cranmer living out our  school vision statement, living life in all its fullness, means we are always giving children opportunities to grow spiritually and become aware of the world in new ways; to wonder about life in all its different facets by incorporating WOW moments of wonder in to our learning experiences.

We also give children opportunities to reflect on their experiences; to meditate on life's big questions and to consider some possible answers. In this they are learning from life by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others.

Our ways in to Spiritual Development 

Liz Mills from The Stapleford Centre, a Christian charity fostering Christian engagement in education, has identified 3 ways that schools can provide opportunities for spiritual development:

WINDOWS: giving children opportunities to become aware of the world in new ways; to wonder about life's 'Wow!s' (things that are amazing) and 'Oh!s' (things that bring us up short). In this children are learning about life in all its fullness.

MIRRORS: giving children opportunities to reflect on their experiences; to meditate on life's big questions and to consider some possible answers. In this they are learning from life by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others.

DOORS: giving children opportunities to respond to all of this; to do something creative as a means of expressing, applying and further developing their thoughts and convictions. In this they are learning to live by putting into action what they are coming to believe and value

We provide WINDOWS throughout our curriculum.by ensuring  lessons include an awe and wonder focus by using various stimuli: artefacts, images, videos, music, documentary, stories and real experiences. 

We understand that school life can be extremely busy and that it is important for children to have time and space to reflect on life, their own beliefs and values and the world. This is how we incorporate MIRRORS into our curriculum.   There are also times when we need to approach someone who is infinitely wiser and bigger than we are, and our reflective areas are an area where children can do this if they choose to. It allows them to ask and discuss bigger questions and consider their own ideas and beliefs. Through high-quality  lessons, children are consistently challenged to reflect on their learning about religion to help them learn from religion, regardless of whether they have a specific faith.

As a Take Care school, where we take care of ourselves, each other, our work and the world we live in, our children  identify DOORS for themselves. They are great courageous advocates and actively seek out opportunities to take action by either serving  our local community such as improving the image of our railway station or through fund raising for local and national charities, or  raising awareness through theme days. Please see our RE in Action page. 

At Archbishop Cranmer Primary Academy our Christian beliefs and values are reflected across the school.  From collective worship and lessons, to the way we interact with others on a daily basis, we always aspire to act in a way that demonstrates God’s love and concern for each individual.  Find out more about our Vision and Values here. 

We understand that school life can be extremely busy and that it is important for children to have time and space to reflect on their own beliefs and values.  There are also times when we need to approach someone who is infinitely wiser and bigger than we are, and our reflective areas are an area where children can do this if they choose to.Every class has a reflection area which is updated throughout the year and is evaluated and inspected by our Ministers for Christian Distinctiveness.