Spirited Arts

Spirited Arts 2026

Exploring Big Questions Through Creativity

Over two inspiring days in July 2026, every child at Littleham CE Primary School took part in the NATRE Spirited Arts Competition, a national initiative that encourages children to explore profound questions about religion, faith, spirituality and worldviews through creative expression. This year's competition invited pupils to respond to one of six thought-provoking themes, using art as a way of expressing their ideas, beliefs and questions.

At Littleham, we believe that spirituality is about much more than religion. It is about developing a sense of awe and wonder, asking life's 'big questions', appreciating beauty, reflecting on our own experiences and understanding our place within the wider world. Through Spirited Arts, children were given the time and space to think deeply, express themselves creatively and respectfully explore a wide range of beliefs and perspectives.

The project brought together our Christian vision and curriculum by encouraging pupils to reflect on themes such as hope, identity, creation, sacred places, God and belonging. Before creating their artwork, children discussed different religious and non-religious worldviews, considered how beliefs influence people's lives and reflected on their own ideas and experiences. They were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully to others and recognise that people may hold different beliefs whilst treating one another with dignity and respect.

The impact of this project was evident across the school. Children demonstrated increasing confidence in discussing spiritual ideas and were able to articulate their own thoughts while valuing the opinions of others. Many pupils commented that there was no single 'right answer' and that exploring different viewpoints helped them to think more deeply about themselves and the world around them. The quality of discussion, reflection and artwork showed growing curiosity, empathy and imagination.

Our Christian vision, "Greatness grows from small beginnings," reminds us that every child has the potential to flourish. Activities such as Spirited Arts nurture this growth by helping children develop spiritually alongside their academic learning. They provide opportunities for pupils to experience moments of reflection, wonder and creativity that build resilience, compassion and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

This work also supports our commitment to developing children who are:

  • Spiritually aware, recognising moments of awe, wonder and reflection.
  • Respectful of diversity, appreciating the richness of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews.
  • Thoughtful and reflective, asking meaningful questions and considering different perspectives.
  • Creative communicators, expressing complex ideas through art and discussion.
  • Compassionate citizens, living out our school values of Aspiration, Belonging and Compassion in their daily lives.

Through opportunities like Spirited Arts, Religious Education becomes more than learning about religion—it enables children to learn from religion and worldviews, helping them to understand themselves, others and the world they are helping to shape. It is one of the many ways we intentionally nurture the spiritual development of every child and prepare them to flourish as confident, compassionate and reflective members of society.