Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development
SMSC is embedded into our vision, ethos and values of our school. It is woven into all areas of the curriculum and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our young people are confident and responsible citizens.
Through our values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance we aim to develop students SMSC and we see it as central to the development and growth of all our students. By promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, we aim to help students develop a sense of identity and purpose, as well as an awareness of their place in society. This, in turn, can help to promote social cohesion and understanding, as well as contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of students.
DEFINITIONS
Spiritual development
Spirituality is the essence of being human and is not linked solely to a particular doctrine or faith. Spiritual development is, therefore, accessible to everyone welcoming students to consider aspects of self, others, nature and God. All areas of the school life and the wider curriculum should contribute to students’ spiritual development.
As a Church school, we place special emphasis on the specific teaching and beliefs of the Christian faith, both within the daily life of the school and through the curriculum. Daily collective worship is rooted in our six Christian values; hope, thankfulness, endurance, humility, compassion and friendship- all of which support spiritual development.
Moral development.
This is about acquiring the knowledge and understanding of what is right and wrong and that it is central to moral development. It is the basis upon which the students may develop the ability to make judgments about how to behave and it is the standpoint from which to consider the behaviour of others in school and society in general.
The system of rules and codes of behaviour established in our school is an important early introduction to issues of fairness for all and to the consequences of operating outside the accepted rule system. Students are encouraged to understand the need for a common code and to follow it from conviction rather than because of consequences or sanctions. Moral development, based on Christian principles, should enable students to become increasingly responsible for their own actions and behaviour.
Social development
Development in this area enables students to become conscientious participants in firstly, the society of the family and then, progressively, the class, the school and the wider community. Provision for social development should balance the positive, satisfying elements of belonging to a group or society with the demands and obligations such membership requires.
The school, but in particular the classroom, provides a suitable environment for promoting social development within a Christian context. Students learn to lead, to use their initiative and to use individual skills and strengths when working together towards a common goal. The ability to be led, to support others and to recognise the different skills of other group members can be developed when young people work co-operatively.
The importance of the link between relationships and behaviour should be emphasised. The quality of relationships between teachers, students, support staff, parents and governors, at all levels, is crucial. These relationships will be characterised by mutual respect, by positive attitudes, by the willingness to listen and understand and by the valuing of students.
Cultural development
At the heart of cultural development lies the necessity to develop a sense of personal identity, whilst at the same time acquiring awareness, understanding and tolerance regarding the cultural traditions of others.
In order to make provision for cultural development existing knowledge, interests and experiences are strengthened and then built upon further. In this way students gain a deeper understanding of their own culture and the factors which influence it and gain a broader understanding of other cultures and cultural influences. All areas of the curriculum can be used to promote and develop cultural awareness, although the arts, music, dance, drama and art are those used the more frequently.
Students will be able to develop their SMSC awareness and show their learning through:
Spiritual development:
- 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
- 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:
- 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
- Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
- 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:
- 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
- Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
- 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:
- Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
- 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
- Ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
- Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
- Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
- Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities
By integrating SMSC into various aspects of school life including Personal Development, Ethos, Collective Worship, PHSE lessons, Formal Curriculum, extra-curricular, the house system and ambassador programme students can develop a well-rounded understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Students will have the opportunities to:
Form values and beliefs, Understand fundamental British Values, Appreciate Diversity, Engage with the Wider community, Become engaged citizens.
Click here for the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development Policy