Prayer Spaces in Schools

The “Prayer Spaces In Schools” programme is already widely established in both primary and secondary schools throughout the UK including Scotland. The programme comprises a menu of experiential learning activities which deliver a significant number of RME and Health & Wellbeing Experiences and Outcomes, at Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 (ages 5 to 17).

The site provides numerous learning resources and ideas which enable a school to transform a classroom into a number of zones which allow children and young people to explore faith and spirituality in a safe, creative and interactive way. Because of the flexibility of these resources, learning activities can readily take place as unit/topic within the normal curriculum, whether primary or secondary. A Prayer Space can be a great way of making a Time for Reflection event more pupil-centred experience as well (see below for an example).

Issues that are covered include how individuals perceive themselves, how they relate with others, and how they engage with the world around them. Prayer spaces provide an opportunity for children and young people to stop, think and ask questions about their lives, their experiences, their beliefs, and their relationships, and to learn from this reflection.

Prayer spaces are rooted in broadly Christian traditions of prayer. Since the relationship is implicit or inferential, they are entirely suitable for all beliefs or cultural backgrounds. The activities are inclusive, allowing children and young people to respond individually and draw their own conclusions.

Different zones provide for a variety of learning styles and are accessible, with appropriate support, for those with mild learning difficulties.

The website includes full explanation of the approaches, downloadable materials, and video clips which show the zones in use. All activities are carefully matched with CfE Experiences and Outcomes for RME and Health and Wellbeing. The Prayer Spaces in Schools organisation also offers support to schools wishing to consider using their material as part of the RME and Health & Wellbeing curriculum.

Prayer Spaces’ materials in Time for Reflections have been used highly successfully in South Lanarkshire. Originally part of a school’s Health Week, it explores the theme of spiritual wellbeing within the wider context of health and wellbeing. These materials give a very clear outline and print outs needed to set up this event:

A Place to be Nurtured Primary reflective space

A Place to Be – Secondary reflective space

Prayer Spaces in Schools created Prayer Spaces at Home during the 2020 school closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This site has tens of simple, short reflective activities that use everyday items around the home and are great for families and youth workers to use. Teachers would also be able to incorporate the suggested activities into Health and Wellbeing and other curriculum areas.