SMSC

What is SMSC?

• Spiritual development: Exploring the mysteries of life and how these guide and connect us
• Moral development: Recognising the difference between right and wrong
• Social development: Getting along with each other
• Cultural development: Appreciating what shapes our communities

SMSC is about developing the whole person. As our pupils move through the school, we are committed to developing not only their academic standards and levels of achievement, but also their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. We aim to provide opportunities for our pupils to form their own identity; sense of place and purpose, giving them the confidence to question and discover who they are in the world and face the exciting challenges that lie ahead. Being a church school adds another dimension to our SMSC provision as our Christian ethos permeates all aspects of school life and underpins our values and mission.

"I have come that you might have life and have it to the full". John 10:10

Pupils’ spiritual development is shown by their:

• ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values
• sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
• use of imagination and creativity in their learning willingness to reflect on their experiences.

Pupils’ moral development is shown by their:

• ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, recognise legal boundaries and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England
• understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
• interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

Pupils’ social development is shown by their:

• use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
• acceptance 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.

Pupils’ cultural development is shown by their:

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and those of others
• understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
• knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
• willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
• interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

British Values

The understanding of British Values plays a vital role in ensuring that our children are prepared to be global citizens and courageous advocates. Worship and teaching across the curriculum, regularly reinforce the five British Values of Respect, Individual Liberty, Tolerance, Democracy and Rule of Law. ​British Values are incorporated into teaching around our school vision and core values of excellence, respect, kindness, resilience, tolerance and inclusivity. 

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These values have been reinforced by the Department of Education in 2014, stating the need ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’ (DFE, 2014)
 

We actively promote the five fundamental British Values throughout school life. These values help our pupils grow into confident, respectful, responsible young people who understand their place in a diverse and modern society.

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 The Key Values are:

• Democracy

• Rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Democracy

What this means:

Everyone has a voice and everyone’s opinions matter.

How we promote it:

• Pupils vote for their House Captains each year through an election in which pupils write and present a speech putting themselves forwards as suitable candidates before a secret vote.

• School Council representatives share ideas and feedback from their classes in regular meetings.

• Children take on a variety of leadership roles such as monitors, PALs, Worship Group and House Captains.

• Pupils and parents are invited to share their views through questionnaires, surveys and discussions.

Rule of Law

What this means:

Rules keep us safe and help everyone live and learn together.

How we promote it:

• Pupils learn why rules and laws are important and how they protect us.

• Every class agrees its own set of rules alongside whole-school expectations.

• Our school values of excellence, respect, kindness, resilience, tolerance and inclusivity help us to think about our own behaviour throughout the school day.

• Visitors from the police, fire service, PCSOs and road safety teams help pupils understand the law in real-life contexts.

Individual Liberty

What this means:

Everyone has the freedom to make choices and express themselves safely.

How we promote it:

• Children are encouraged to make positive choices about their learning and behaviour.

• Pupils have many opportunities to share their views and opinions.

• We learn that we are all part of the family of God, made in his image but as unique individuals.

• Lessons such as RE, Computing and PSHE teach pupils how to use their freedom safely and responsibly.

• A wide range of extra-curricular clubs gives pupils the chance to explore their interests.

Mutual Respect

What this means:

We treat others how we would like to be treated.

How we promote it:

• Pupils learn the importance of caring for others’ feelings and valuing different opinions.

• Respect is a key expectation across school, shown in classrooms, corridors and the playground.

• New pupils, visitors and families are warmly welcomed into our community.

• PSHE lessons help pupils develop empathy, listening skills and positive relationships.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

What this means:

We understand and respect that we are all different.

How we promote it:

• Pupils learn about a range of faiths, cultures and traditions through RE, PSHE, assemblies and themed days.

• Children are encouraged to appreciate differences and challenge discrimination.

• Learning across the curriculum includes inspirational role models from different faiths and cultures throughout History.

• Pupils are given opportunities to share their own backgrounds and learn from one another.

• At St Cuthbert's we are JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) warriors.