SMSC
Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development
At Knutton, St. Mary’s we actively promote the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding to enable them to thrive in a supportive, highly cohesive learning community.
As a school, our motto is ‘Together we Succeed and Shine’ as we recognise the importance of each child and their contribution to our school community.
SMSC is defined as:
Spiritual Development:
- Pupils develop their own personality and have respect for different people’s feelings and values.
- Pupils use imagination and creativity in their learning, and are able to reflect on their experiences.
Evidence of this learning can be seen through the following:
- In every lesson, where the children are given the opportunity to reflect upon their learning when; reviewing success criteria, reviewing the work which they have produced and when completing their corrections.
- When working collaboratively.
- When using their reasoning skills to approach a question or problem creatively.
- Through celebration assemblies, and rewards given each day in class where children are valued for their individual talents and personalities.
- Providing children with the opportunity to learn about different religions through our RE curriculum so that they gain an understanding of spirituality.
- Providing children with the opportunity to reflect during collective worship.
- Providing spiritual opportunities in the enquiry based approach to the RE curriculum.
Moral Development:
- Pupils recognise the difference between right and wrong.
- Pupils understand society’s values.
- Pupils develop their understanding of the consequences of their actions which will then encourage them to make reasoned decisions.
Evidence of this learning can be seen through the following:
- Visitors to the school such as: representatives from local churches, the police and fire brigade and local MPs.
- Through our E-Safety curriculum, which teaches digital resilience and the management of risk online.
- Through our Behaviour Policy which allows children to consider their choices and actions, reflecting upon the impact to themselves personally and to others.
- Children take ownership of their classroom charters, recognising the environment which needs to be created to allow themselves to learn and feel safe.
- Providing children with the opportunity to learn about society and the rules which govern it through our RE and PSHE curriculum.
- The use of the home-school agreement.
- Children are involved with committing to following the rules of the acceptable user policy.
- The use of circle time to explore issues within the classroom or school environment.
- By encouraging children to be ambassadors of our school values when they are undertaking school trips or involved in community events.
- Providing moral opportunities in the enquiry based approach to the RE curriculum.
Social Development:
- Pupils to work collaboratively with each other and participate successfully in the community as a whole.
- Pupils should have a willingness to develop skills that are necessary to be able to resolve conflicts and to create successful relationships.
Evidence of this learning can be seen through the following:
- Through the participation in a variety of sporting and social events where the children have to mix with pupils from a range of backgrounds.
- By taking children in Key Stage 2 on a residential visit, where they have to work collaboratively and mix with pupils from other schools.
- Regular fundraising for local and global charities.
- Through the use of talk partners in each lesson.
- Flexible use of additional adults to provide guidance and support where necessary.
- The use of collaborative learning to enable pupils to respect and tolerate others.
Cultural Development:
• Pupils should develop an understanding of their own culture and beliefs.
• They have an appreciation of diversity within their own school.
• They show an awareness of British values and encouraged to take pride in their heritage.
• Pupils will explore and appreciate cultures and religions from around the world.
• Pupils have an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and reflect this in their attitudes and behaviours.
Evidence of this learning can be seen through the following:
- The use of Literacy texts from different cultures, countries and religions.
- Exploring countries from around the world in topic.
- Sharing and celebrating pupils’ diverse backgrounds through topics.
- Worship which reflects various religious celebrations and traditions from around the world.
- Developing children’s knowledge of the diversity found within British society though worship and the curriculum.
- Participating in community events such as the Remembrance Day at the war memorial, visits to Mill Rise and planting flowers in the community.
- Adopting strong links with St Mary’s church, Elim church, Mill Rise and other community groups.
- Providing spiritual opportunities in the enquiry based approach to the RE curriculum.