Spirituality – St Hilda's CE High School

At St Hilda’s we encourage our community to grow in fullness and to flourish spiritually.
We provide everybody with an opportunity to reflect and grow.
Together we endeavour to nurture what spirituality means for the St Hilda’s family.

Our shared definition of spirituality:

A sense of connection to each other, the world and to something bigger than ourselves.
It is our shared search for meaning and appreciation for all that life offers.
As such, it is a universal human experience – something that we all share as part
of the St Hilda’s family.

Spirituality in the Curriculum

Spirituality in our Houses

Spirituality gallery

Spirituality in the Curriculum

Our school curriculum encourages pupils to develop their spirituality:

Our curriculum encourages pupils to develop their love of self

It encourages their sense of worthiness.

- In KS3 PE lessons, pupils are inspired to accept personal challenge and focus on what could go right, to not be afraid of failure. This ethos allows them to participate in a variety of sports, to enjoy working with others and successfully develop skills that they can feel proud of.
- In KS5 A level Spanish pupils study diversity and difference, comparing the experience of the LGBTQ+ community today to those living under the dictatorship of Franco. They also explore how Spain can come to terms with the past.
- PSHE lessons are shaped around our school vision and values. In Years 7-11, pupils begin the year reflecting on what they HOPE for themselves and others for the future. The rest of the year aims to give them the WISDOM to achieve this. For example, they look at the example of our school founders in Year 7 and how they epitomise our school vision and values and in Year 8 develop this by considering how choosing to smoke, drink and take drugs can impact your physical and mental health and your hopes for the future.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to recognise their uniqueness.

In Year 8 Science pupils look at Health and Lifestyle and in KS4 Core PE pupils work on their physical fitness and develop their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for body and soul. In PSHE pupils learn about healthy relationships and their rights and responsibilities as a person living in Britain.

Our curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to reflect.

For example, as part of our Wonderwall sessions in form, pupils are given time to consider ‘Picture News’ and respond to this if they wish.
Our Curriculum nourishes pupils of faith, encourages those of other faiths and challenges those of no faith. In PSHE and during Wonderwall sessions, pupils are asked to consider what a Christian view would be and reflect upon how this relates to our vision and values. It allows pupils to develop their imagination and creativity. In art lessons pupils create their own stained-glass window to celebrate the achievements of an inspirational person, which is linked to our Christian vision and values and our school founders.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to develop love of others

It encourages respect and tolerance. In KS3 and KS4 PSHE lessons pupils learn about the Equality Act 2010 and Protected Characteristics. They learn about Hate crime and the legal position with regards to discrimination, but they are also encouraged to be active bystanders, which fits with our school Christian vision and values.
Our curriculum encourages pupils to love others and to perform acts of service to others. For example, in Year 10 German, pupils look at what makes a good friend, relationships and marriage.
Our curriculum encourages pupils to make a difference and to be a courageous advocate for change in the world.
- In science lessons, pupils are inspired to become responsible and educated ‘St Hilda’s scientists,’ who will hold the future of the Earth and its resources in their safe hands. The science department aims to show how scientific advancement has the power to save lives and benefit the global community but also that there is a responsibility to use science wisely and not destructively. As effective role models, Science teachers can also show that science qualifications can open the door to many rewarding careers in STEM and the wider world.
- In Year 10 German pupils look at a range of social issues including poverty, homelessness and addiction.

Our curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to appreciate beauty:

It provides pupils with the opportunity to appreciate beauty in art, music and nature.
- In science pupils ‘natural curiosity for nature’ is enhanced and sustained by showing that science provides an understanding of the exciting physical, chemical and biological worlds around them.
- In Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh sessions, pupils spend time in nature and are able to explore areas outside of their local community.
- In art lessons pupils look at the work of a female artist who painted nature in a way that showed how she felt.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to develop awareness of something greater than themselves (God):

Pupils encounter God in our curriculum through his creation. In Year 7 science, pupils look at Earth and Space. In art pupils look at Diwali and create their own Diya.

Our curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to think about and discuss Big Questions. In Year 9 Re pupils look at Big questions and consider the views of materialists such as Dawkins and Dennett and are encouraged to evaluate these and all views.

Our curriculum gives opportunities for prayer and reflection, as part of daily worship and we provide areas around the school including the Chapel for private prayer.