SMSC
SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. SMSC facilitates growth of the human spirit (spiritual), consideration of what is right and wrong (moral), confidence of how to get along with others (social) and an understanding of heritage, tradition and identity (cultural).
Spiritual development
Through the curriculum, pupils develop:
- An ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
- Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
- A sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
- Use of imagination and creativity in their learning
- Willingness to reflect on their experiences
Moral development
Through the curriculum, pupils develop:
- An ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, and to recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England
- An understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
- An interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues
Social development
Through the curriculum, pupils develop:
- A use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
- A willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
- An acceptance of and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain
Cultural development
Through the curriculum, pupils develop:
- An understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
- An understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
- An ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
- A knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
- A willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
- An interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity
- An ability to understand, accept and respect diversity (as shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities)
British Values
The school is committed to embedding and promoting British Values through its broad, balanced, inclusive and unprejudiced curriculum. Lessons delivered to our pupils are inclusive of, and sensitive to the British Values as set out in the Prevent Strategy. The five key British Values are:
Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs