Beaminster St Mary's Academy

Our Vision

We love each other, learn together and inspire all to succeed.

At St Mary’s Academy Beaminster, spirituality is central to our identity and our purpose. We believe every child is uniquely created, deeply valued and capable of flourishing. Our approach to spirituality helps children explore meaning, purpose and connection as they grow into thoughtful, compassionate and resilient individuals.

Our biblical foundation is The Parable of the Lost Sheep, reminding us that every person matters, every voice is heard, and every child is worth seeking, nurturing and celebrating.

What Spirituality Means at St Mary’s

Spirituality is the way we explore:

• Ourselves
• Others
• The world
• The beyond (awe, wonder, mystery, God)

It is not a single lesson or subject; it is a way of seeing, thinking and responding that runs through our whole curriculum and school life.

We use the symbols of Windows, Mirrors and Doors to help children understand and experience spirituality.

 

Windows, Mirrors and Doors

WINDOWS – Looking Out

Children encounter awe, wonder, beauty and challenge in the world.

We ask:

• What are the important facts?
• What is challenging to me about this?
• What is inspiring to me about this?

Through windows, children learn to be curious, noticing the world with interest, imagination and attentiveness.

MIRRORS – Looking In

Children reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values.

We ask:

• What is my view on this?
• How do I feel about this?
• How can I learn from others about this?

Through mirrors, children grow in admiration, wisdom and emotional maturity as they learn to understand themselves and respect the perspectives of others.

DOORS – Living It Out

Children consider how they might respond, act or change because of what they have learned.

We ask:

• What can I take away with me today?
• How can I respond to this?
• Where can I find out more?
• Might I now do something differently?

Through doors, children become worldly, compassionate and active participants in their community and the wider world.

 

How Spirituality Connects to Our Curriculum 

Driver	How Spirituality Supports This
Curiosity	Windows moments spark wonder, questioning and exploration. Children learn to embrace challenge with a growth mindset.
Admiration	Mirror moments help children develop wisdom, respect and emotional maturity as they reflect on themselves and others.
Communication	Spiritual reflection deepens language, enabling children to express ideas, emotions and beliefs with clarity and empathy.
Worldly	Door moments encourage children to act with compassion, tolerance and appreciation of global diversity.

 

Spirituality Across School Life

Spirituality is nurtured through:

• Collective worship rooted in Christian teaching and the Parable of the Lost Sheep
• Curriculum experiences that invite awe, reflection and action
• Outdoor learning and appreciation of creation
• Celebration of diversity and respect for all faiths and worldviews
• Quiet spaces for prayer, reflection and stillness
• Opportunities for service, kindness and leadership
• Relationships built on love, dignity and belonging

 

What Spirituality Looks Like in Our Children

A spiritually developing child at St Mary’s Academy Beaminster:

• notices beauty, wonder and mystery
• asks deep questions
• reflects on their feelings and beliefs
• listens to and respects others
• shows empathy and compassion
• acts with courage, kindness and responsibility
• understands that they are loved, valued and capable of making a difference

 

Conclusion

At St Mary’s Academy Beaminster, spirituality is a journey we take together. Through windows, we see the world. Through mirrors, we understand ourselves. Through doors, we live out our values.

Rooted in the love shown in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, we seek to ensure every child knows they matter, belongs, and can flourish.