SMSC

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural Curriculum)

Our Intent:

At Charford First School the SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) strands weaves through our school ethos and vision, and is reflected in our school values. Some curriculum areas lend themselves more easily to direct SMSC development such as PSHE, RE, PE and the Arts.

We recognise that the development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part not only in their ability to learn and achieve but in their ability to relate fully to and have the ability to access the world they live in. We, therefore, aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values, whilst recognising that those of others may differ. Beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour including a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures are all critical skills and aspects that we nurture, encourage and develop through our curriculum.

SMSC is part of our Creative curriculum, our Physical Education, RE, the Arts and PSHE lessons. It is also part of our wellbeing lessons, forest school, assemblies, trips, extra-curricular activities and our school committees. The inclusion of SMSC across the school is a key means of promoting fundamental British values in school and within the wider community.
 

(Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural)

Values Explained

Spiritual Development
Children’s spiritual development involves the growth of their sense of self, their unique potential, their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and their will to achieve. As their curiosity about themselves and their place in the world increases, they try to answer for themselves some of life's fundamental questions. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to foster their own inner lives and non-material wellbeing.
 
Moral Development
Moral development involves children acquiring an understanding of the difference between right and wrong and of moral conflict, a concern for others and the will to do what is right. They are able and willing to reflect on the consequences of their actions and learn how to forgive themselves and others. They develop the knowledge, skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.
 

Social Development
Social development involves children acquiring an understanding of the responsibilities and rights of being members of families and communities (local, national and global), and an ability to relate to others and to work with others for the common good. They display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingness to participate. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to become active citizens within their community. Including 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 develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
 

Cultural Development
Cultural development involves children acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and heritage, and the ability to appreciate and respond to ‘the arts’. The children will acquire a respect for their own culture and that of others, an interest in others' ways of doing things and curiosity about differences. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.
 

Implementation

At Charford First School we recognise that the personal development of children, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We want to give each child the opportunity to explore social and moral issue; develop a sense of social and moral responsibility and promote the British Values. 

SMSC is part of our Creative curriculum, our Physical Education, RE, the Arts and PSHE lessons, forest school, assemblies, trips, extra-curricular activities and our school committees. It is also strongly promoted through our wellbeing lessons taught weekly in each year group through a planned programme of work that follows the Jigsaw PSHE programme adapted and personalised to fit the needs and the context of our school and pupils. It is supplemented with additional resources including from the Twinkl Life PSHE Programme, as well as stories and video clips which have been selected to promote understanding of the themes covered.

Our programme brings together PSHE Education, mindfulness, emotional literacy and social and moral development in a comprehensive, progressive scheme of learning. 

We follow a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly/lesson, generating a whole school focus.

A Charford Citizen will:

•    Be respectful of the differences between themselves and others, embracing and celebrating originality
•    Be confident to express their ideas, views, opinions and beliefs
•    Understand and apply strategies to support their physical and mental health
•    Be able to recognise and name their feelings and express and control them in a positive way
•    Be caring and compassionate toward others, building positive and healthy relationships
•    Have a positive attitude towards challenge, showing determination and resilience in reaching their goals
•    Know how to keep themselves and others safe and manage risk including when they are using the internet

Links:

•    To learn more about British Values visit our school page
•    Also see PSHE, RE, PE, Arts, Forest School and e-safety in curriculum areas