--- title: "Spirituality" url: "https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/weekly-worship/spirituality" school: "Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy" --- # Spirituality at Darwen St James' ![](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/images/Gemini_Generated_Image_i5pakri5pakri5pa.png) ### Defining Spirituality at Darwen St James At Darwen St James, we believe every child has a natural sense of spirituality, regardless of whether they follow a specific religion or faith. It is a personal journey that grows with us throughout our lives, helping us understand who we are and how we connect to the world around us. “Spiritual development relates to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone and is not dependant on a religious affiliation.” (Ofsted) ### What is Spirituality? (The Doughnut Analogy) To help picture spirituality, imagine a doughnut: ![](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/images/images(1).jpeg) - **The Outer Ring:** Represents our body and mind—the parts of us that are easy to see and explain. - **The Center Space:** Represents our inner spiritual self—our quiet core where our deepest feelings, values, and sense of purpose live. Just like a doughnut isn't complete without its center, a child's development isn't complete without nurturing their inner spiritual self. Spirituality is about learning to recognise, trust, and grow this inner space so children can shine outward ### How We Explore Spirituality: Windows, Mirrors, & Doors We use a simple structure across our classrooms and Worship time to give children and teachers a shared language for reflection: ![](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/images/Untitled_presentation_(2).jpg) ![](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/images/Spirituality.jpg) ### Why It Matters Nurturing spirituality isn't about measuring progress or testing knowledge; it's about helping our children: - **Connect:** Build meaningful relationships with **themselves**, **others**, the **world**, and **beyond**. - **Flourish:** Feel happy, grounded, and confident in who they are. - **Live Fully:** Experience life in all its fullness, equipped with empathy, curiosity, and inner strength. ### Spirituality at home Here are some resources for parents and carers to use at home to help further develop children's spirituality. This is a short animation to explain spiritual development for children and their families- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/fI-iXfQMqfE?rel=0) To accompany this video there is a further document to read - Spirituality for parents and carers 1.06 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/files/documents/supporting-your-childs-spiritual-development.pdf) This is a short video to help guide and/or start conversations at home about spirituality - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/z4vXynkkhDU?rel=0) To accompany this video there is a further document to read - Spirituality conversations with children 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/files/documents/01_childrens-conversations-about-faith-and-spirituality-family.pdf) ### Christian Distinctiveness - [Vision and Mission](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/vision-and-values) - [Weekly Worship](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/weekly-worship) - [Courageous Advocacy](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/weekly-worship/corageous-advocacy) - [Spirituality](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/weekly-worship/spirituality) - [Church and Worship](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/church-and-worship) - [Our School Values](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/our-school-values) - [Equity, Diversity and Justice](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/christian-distinctiveness/equity-diversity-and-justice) - ![School Games Gold](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Gold_Logo_25-26(1).png) - ![Healthy school](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/healthy_school.png) - ![Picture News](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/6_Years_of_Picture_News.png) - ![AP smilestar](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Screenshot_2026-07-27_10.26.27.png) ##### Location St James Crescent Darwen Lancashire BB3 0EY ##### Contact Us 01254 703260 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Darwenstjames) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/darwenstjames/) © Copyright 2021–2026 Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)