meet it . Mindfulness and meditative practices , supported by a strong follow up programme , help the pupils at St James to be more aware of those around them and the needs arising in front of them at any particular moment .
M : What support is offered to teachers ?
Monad ( M ): How does St James compare to other schools ?
Richard Fletcher ( RF ): First and foremost St James ’ is a school that like most others , aims to bring out the academic and creative talents of its students . What makes St James different however , is how we integrate aspects of spirituality seamlessly throughout the day . Avoiding any dogmatic approaches , students are offered a variety of different methods to bring stillness in their lives .
M : What aspects of spiritual teachings have been used ?
( RF ): Though the day is structured in a particular way , participation in the spiritual practice is always an option for the students . For example , when joining the school they are offered to follow a ‘ meditative ’ or alternative route . If a meditative route is chosen , the boys are taught a ‘ transcendental ’ meditation , where they are initiated with a mantra and taught how to meditate . If they opt for the alternative route , in the 5 minute Quiet Time periods , the boys are offered alternative practices of mindfulness .
M : How has spirituality helped students at St James ’?
( RF ): The boys at St James are offered a holistic education , with core skills they may use during their school years or later on in life . Former students often get in touch with us to share stories of how the teachings of silence and mindfulness have been very helpful to them personally . Whist studying , during the examination process a student ’ s performance can be greatly affected by their response to the situation . A nervous or agitated approach can be detrimental and leave a pupil feeling dissatisfied by their performance . A brief pause before an exam or test can be really beneficial and allow the mind to quieten . Often this leads the pupils being able to easily access what has been revised previously . Also , the concept of Service is at the heart of the education we offer . To serve your community you have to be able to see the need before you can
( RF ): Not only does St James ’ recognise the importance of guidance for its students , we also acknowledge the need for training for teachers that all have varying levels of personal spiritual practices . There is a separate sub-team of teachers dedicated to focusing on the spiritual needs of the school as a whole , both the students and teachers . As part of this , we have put together a brochure explaining specific techniques that teachers can use for guidance during Quiet Time . We have teamed up with the Mindfulness in Schools project to offer our teachers an 8 week course , followed by a 6 month mentored period of practice . Teachers have also recently attended a one day workshop , where they were presented fresh approaches to different mindfulness practices , highlighting the school ’ s openness to evolve and learn .
It is delightful to see how the spirit of the St James School bears the fruits of the distinctive philosophy and vision of its founder , Leon MacLaren . Leon MacLaren was one of a number of men who , mainly from the mid nineteenth century on , were instrumental in bringing the ancient Eastern and particularly Advaita Vedanta Philosophy to the West . Let ’ s hope that through the work of teachers at St James today and through the work of all educators and educational institutions who base their ethos on the Divine Oneness , including Integral Studies Academy , the new generations of children and students consciously grow to enjoy all the advancements of science and spirituality and why not , carry forward the vision of their founders .
Leon MacLaren composing in New York , 1972 Image from maclarenfoundation . net
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