Description
The Primary Curriculum Framework key competency of ‘Being Well’ acknowledges the place of spirituality in developing and experiencing a sense of meaning in life for children. Spiritual wellbeing and spirituality have received much attention in academic discourse and research in recent years. Spiritual wellbeing is the linking of the two concepts of spirituality and health. Spirituality, like wellbeing, does not have one agreed definition, but rather is understood in terms of attributes and characteristics. It can be comprehended as exploring human values, the personal search for meaning and moral issues (Rossiter 2010). Spirituality, in the literature, is often understood to be concerned with a person’s sense of connectedness, or relationship with Self, Others, the World, and for some, God (Adams et al. 2008; Hyde 2008). As Irish society becomes more secular and grapples with what spirituality can be in this new reality, this paper explores how the SPHE curriculum, as part of the Primary School Curriculum, can support all children in developing their spiritual wellbeing. It argues that spiritual wellbeing can contribute to increased self-confidence and self-esteem, which play an important part in shaping identity; identity being a key factor in spirituality. Allowing children to explore their inner life, find their place in the world and seeking answers to the ‘big’ questions in life, all lead to a greater sense of wellbeing. Spiritual wellbeing within an SPHE curriculum will support children to explore their sense of being in the world, to become active and full citizens, and explore the possibilities of now and beyond.| Periods | 11 sept. 2023 |
|---|---|
| Norises vieta | SPHE Network, Ireland |