SMSC at Hunwick Primary School
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Ofsted’s definition of SMSC is as follows: Exploring beliefs and experiences; respecting faiths, feelings and values; enjoying learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; using imagination and being creative; reflection.
At Hunwick Primary School SMSC underpins much of what we do. We recognise that the personal development of the children – spiritually, morally, socially and culturally – plays a significant role in their ability to learn, and to grow into well rounded members of society.
As a result, opportunities are created for the development of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural developments through the curriculum in each subject area and in other wider school opportunities. These can take the form of assemblies, educational and residential visits, the PSHCE curriculum, visitors to school, School Council, special events (fundraising and whole school projects) as well as further enrichment activities during the school day and through after school clubs.
We aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop:
- Their own values and beliefs
- Spiritual awareness
- High standards of personal behaviour
- A positive and caring attitude towards other people
- An understanding and respect for their and others social and cultural traditions
- An appreciation of the diversity and richness of cultures and the world around them.
Spiritual Development – the children’s beliefs, religious or otherwise, which inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for other people’s beliefs and values. We promote this through the following:
- Our Religious Education programme which includes visits to different places of worship.
- Assemblies which celebrate beliefs and cultures from around the world.
- Taking children out on school trips or inviting people into the school that inspire awe and wonder.
- Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
- Develop curiosity in their learning and foster a fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.
- Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
- A PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) programme that allows pupils to reflect on their own feelings and develop an understanding of the feelings of others.
- Developing creativity and imagination through play, literacy, art, design technology music, dance and drama.
Moral Development – a pupil’s understanding, attitude and behaviour to what is right and what is wrong. This is developed through the following:
- Recognise the unique value of each individual within and outside the school community.
- Providing a clear moral code for behaviour which is promoted consistently through all aspects of the school – assemblies, star cards, E-safety lessons, PSHCE curriculum, Class Charters, Champion of Character half-termly value certificates, house points and merits.
- Promoting equality in relation to religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender.
- Giving pupils opportunities to explore and develop moral concepts and values through the curriculum – PSHE, Fair Trade topics, R.E., History, Geography, Literacy, Drama.
- Encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions, through PSHCE and the Behaviour Policy whilst making appropriate and informed decisions and choices.
- Learning about and raising money for charities.
- Adults modelling fairness, integrity and respect for all pupils.
- Recognising and respecting different cultures and interests represented by pupils and staff, Cultural displays around the school, texts used to support the curriculum.
Social Development – a pupil’s progressive acquisition of the competencies and qualities needed to play a full part in society. We promote this through the following:
- Encouraging children to work co-operatively in the classroom and playground.
- Fostering a sense of community with common, inclusive values through assemblies, the PSHE curriculum, school summer fetes and Christmas fairs, cultural celebrations, sponsored events, and coffee morning fundraisers.
- Encouraging children to recognise and respect social differences and similarities.
- Develop a positive self-image and awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
- Providing children with opportunities to exercise leadership and responsibility through School Council and class monitors.
- Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships within the school community and apply these ideas and strategies within the local and wider community.
- Through the PSHCE curriculum, helping pupils develop qualities which are valued by society, such as, thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for others, moral principles, independence, co-operation, self-respect.
- Through celebration of the core values of Hunwick Primary School and recognising these qualities (respect, responsibility etc) in the pupils who receive the Champion of Character award.
Cultural Development – a child’s understanding of the beliefs, values and customs in their own and others social, ethnic and national groups. We promote this through:
- Celebrating the attitudes, values and traditions of diverse cultures through the curriculum, assemblies, school social events, and visitors to the school.
- Participating in cross borough events such as the Dance and Drama festivals, sports matches and competitions.
- Further develop an understanding of Britain’s local, national, European, Commonwealth and global dimensions.
- Recognising and nurturing particular gifts and talents through after school clubs, talent shows, Enterprise projects, and the curriculum.
- Extend their cultural awareness through visits and residential trips.
- Offering an opportunity to travel abroad to further enhance curriculum learning.
- Recognising and celebration of national events such as the Olympics and Remembrance Day.
- Themed days linked to topics being studied throughout the school e.g. Commonwealth Day.