SMSC
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC. As part of work in this area, it meets Article 2 for the Rights of the Child where they apply to every child without discrimination.
Spiritual Development:
As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to explore beliefs and experiences the respect of values, to learn about oneself and the surrounding world, to use imagination and creativity and reflection.
Moral Development:
As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to recognise right and wrong, take responsibility and respect the law, understand consequences, investigating moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views and have an appreciation of British Values.
Social Development:
As a school we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to investigate moral issues, appreciate diversity, different viewpoints and the importance of participating, volunteering, cooperating, resolving conflicts and engaging with the values of British democracy and understanding of communities work.
Cultural Development:
As a school we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to appreciate cultural influences, participate in cultural opportunities, understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
At Thornton Primary School SMSC education underpins all aspects of school life. By respecting and valuing each child for their individuality, so they are secure with who they are, they are able to contribute to the life of the school and they are empowered to make a positive contribution to society.
Some of the ways in which we promote SMSC at Thornton are highlighted below:
|
Aspect of School |
Spiritual Development |
Moral Development |
Social Development |
Cultural Development |
|
Assemblies |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Broad Curriculum |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Circle Time |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
High Quality Learning |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Tokens System |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
Social Groups |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Off Site Trips |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
PSHE Curriculum |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
RE Curriculum |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Reward Events |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
School Council |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
Eco Council |
|
✔ |
✔ |
|
The delivery of the curriculum is underpinned by these values and is delivered predominantly through good quality texts. The School Council, consisting of pupils elected from each class, provides a forum for pupils to contribute to the decision-making process in the school. Aspects of personal, social and health education and religious education within the curriculum provide pupils with opportunities to develop spiritually and morally in a supportive atmosphere. Spiritual and moral themes are also explored in regular whole-school and class assemblies. Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to listen and talk to each other, to learn awareness of treating everyone as equals, agree and disagree with others and work cooperatively and collaboratively.
As a school we aim to embed SMSC in all aspects of school life, from individual lessons to extra-curricular activities and assemblies. To support with the planning and delivery of the wider curriculum, we use Cornerstones who also put SMSC at the heart of their curriculum by basing their pedagogy, The Four Cornerstones, on the aspects of SMSC. This ensures that schools using the Cornerstones Curriculum can evidence SMSC in all their teaching and learning.