SMSC

Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development

What is SMSC?

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development enables children to thrive in a supportive, highly cohesive learning community.

Spiritual

Pupils’ spiritual development is shown by their ability to be reflective about their own beliefs that inform their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values. It is shown by their sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, by their willingness to reflect on their experiences and by their use of imagination and creativity in their learning. As a church school, we encourage the children to use windows, mirrors and doors:

Windows are for looking out onto the world and becoming aware of its wonders, both the ‘wows’ and ‘ows’; things that are ‘awe-full’ and make us wonder and be grateful and things that are ‘awful’ and make us wonder and ask questions.

Mirrors are for looking into and reflecting, alone and together, to see things more clearly, for thinking and asking important questions learning from our own and each other’s responses. In schools we must allow time for this for individual and group reflection and sharing of perspectives.

Doors are for looking through in order to then act or express this in some way in response; for moving on, making choices, and doing something creative, active and purposeful in response. This can simply be done through a change in attitude or behaviour or thinking. It can also be expressed powerfully through music or art or drama or dance and through some form of social action or specific acts of giving.

Moral

Pupils’ moral development is shown by their ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and readily apply this in their own lives, respecting the civil and criminal law of England. It is shown by pupils’ understanding of consequences of their behaviour and actions and their interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical views (including understanding and appreciating the viewpoints of others. This is reflected in the restorative practices adopted within our school behaviour policy.

Social

Pupils’ social development is shown by their use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. It is shown by their willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to solve conflicts effectively. It is also shown by pupils’ acceptance 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.

Cultural

Pupils’ cultural development is shown by their understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others and an understanding of the range of cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain. This means pupils will respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities.