Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC)

At Etruscan Primary School we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to offer an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of different cultures. This is underpinned by our school values of Respect, Enjoyment, Achievement, Collaboration and Honesty (REACH) as well as the ‘British Values’ of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Expectations

• All curriculum areas have a contribution to make to the child's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this will be planned in each area of the curriculum.
• The school values underpin all aspects of learning and behaviour.
• The medium term plan/topic overview identifies purposeful opportunities for class-based SMSC.
• All adults model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as unique and valuable individuals and showing respect for all.
• The school community is a place where pupils can find acceptance for themselves as unique individuals.
• Pupils learn to differentiate between right and wrong and that their actions affect other people. They are encouraged to value themselves and others.
• Pupils understand the need for rules and the need to abide by rules for the good of everyone. School values and classroom rules reflect, reiterate, promote and reward acceptable behaviour and provide opportunities to celebrate pupils' work and achievements. These are developed through consultation with pupils to ensure a full understanding and ownership.
• All curriculum areas seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. This is reflected in teachers' planning.

Spiritual Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

• enhance and sustain their self-esteem
• develop their capacity for critical and independent thought
• foster their ability to express their feelings
• experience moments of stillness and reflection
• discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences
• form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships
• reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life

Moral Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

• celebrate the unique value of each individual
• listen and respond appropriately to the views of others
• gain the confidence and resilience to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes
• take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others
• distinguish between right and wrong and show respect for the environment
• make informed and independent judgements

Social Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

• develop an understanding of their individual and group identity, alongside the rights and responsibilities of themselves and others
• learn about and participate in the life of the school, the wider community and the world.

Cultural Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

• celebrate the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain, and how these have influenced individuals and society;
• develop an understanding of, and respect for, different societies and cultures

Teaching and Organisation

Teaching in SMSC takes place across all curriculum areas.

Class discussions, collaborative learning and circle time give pupils opportunity to:

•  talk about personal experiences and feelings
•  express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs
•  speak about difficult events, eg bullying, death
•  share thoughts, ideas and feelings with other people
•  explore relationships
•  consider others’ needs and behaviour
•  show empathy
•  develop self-esteem and a respect for others develop a sense of belonging develop the skills and attitudes     

                that enable pupils to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally eg empathy, respect, open-  

                mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness

•  think before responding
•  listen and talk with each other
•  learn an awareness of treating all as equals
•  agree and disagree
•  take turns and share equipment
•  work co-operatively and collaboratively