The Spaces

St Teilo’s places an emphasis on awareness, attention and the experience of ‘being’. Success should be measured not only in terms of outcomes and outputs but also how each aspect of the school feels to those who belong to it.

Every space encountered in our schools should be characterised as a learning space, healing space and sacred space.

Learning spaces

We believe that learning spaces:

Inspire, meaning that we celebrate the interesting, intriguing, amazing and surprising. Imagination is sparked when we use resources, displays and stories to stimulate creative effort and infuse one another with the wonders of life.

Inform, meaning that a focus is given to sharing knowledge and experience with one another. Information gives us the power to make sound decisions, find solutions to new problems and act wisely.

Inquire, meaning that we express our curiosity with a longing to understand – and be part of – the world. We gain deeper insights by asking questions and we broaden our perspective by listening to different points of view.

Provoke, meaning that discussion, debate and a willingness to hear others’ arguments are valued. We earnestly welcome new information that contradicts our prior beliefs and ideas and do so with an open – and logical – mind.

Participate, meaning that we become fully involved in every aspect of school life and sustain the effort of study. We have a ‘can do’ attitude and are confident in asking for and receiving support.

Healing spaces

We believe that healing spaces:

Comfort, meaning that we are calm and patient, helping to make one another feel safe and secure. We notice when somebody is having a difficult time and we take a deep breath before responding.

Encourage, meaning that we demonstrate a belief in each other’s potential by helping to identify our gifts and talents. Spaces are motivating and help to build resilience and positive thinking.

Involve, meaning that we work together towards common goals and try to understand one another’s perspectives. We ask for opinions when we make decisions and we use restorative approaches to resolve conflict.

Celebrate, meaning that we foster self-esteem by providing affirmation and validation and praising effort and perseverance. Spaces are positive and characterised by ‘put-ups’ not ‘put-downs’.

Listen, meaning that we focus on what we are hearing and are receptive to what others say. Listening attentively shows that we care and that other people’s thoughts matter.

Sacred spaces

We believe that sacred spaces:

Welcome, meaning that as we encounter a space in our school kind words are exchanged. Our time and energy is shared with one another. Spaces are hospitable and characterised by ‘open hands, open hearts and open doors’.

Reflect, meaning that we take time to think purposefully and deeply about truth. Reflection allows us to look closely at our own lives and the lives of others, in our school and in our world.

Belong, meaning that no person feels excluded or discouraged from playing a full part in the life of our school. Care is taken to include everyone, in particular the most vulnerable and those in need.

Pray, meaning that we practice stillness and we come to be at peace with ourselves and others. Spaces are contemplative and we enthusiastically receive the spiritual and the divine.

Revere, meaning that we regard our school with deep and solemn respect. Spaces are enlightening and embrace the wonder and amazement of creation.

The spaces allow us to reflect on the experiences of children and young people, staff and visitors in St Teilo’s.