What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.
Spiritual
As part of pupils’ spiritual development, schools must provide opportunities for pupils to explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
Moral
As part of pupils’ moral development, schools must provide opportunities which enable pupils to recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
Social
As part of pupils’ social development, pupils must be provided with opportunities to use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
Cultural
As part of pupils’ cultural development, pupils must be provided with opportunities to appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
A good school should have a carefully thought-out and wide-ranging promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
How do we teach SMSC at Wyton on the Hill Primary School?
At Wyton on the Hill, we believe that SMSC should enable children to become healthier, more independent and more responsible members of society. We encourage our pupils to play a positive role in contributing to the life of the school and the wider community. In doing so we help develop their sense of self-worth. We teach them how society is organised and governed. We ensure that the children experience the process of democracy through participation in class management. We teach children both about their rights and their responsibilities. They learn to appreciate what it means to be a positive member of a diverse multicultural society.
The objectives of SMSC in our school are to enable the children to:
Know and understand a healthy and active lifestyle
Be aware of safety issues;
Understand what makes for good relationships with others;
Have respect for others and keep safe from bullying, harassment and discrimination;
Be active, independent members of a community, such as school;
Be positive and active members of a democratic society;
Develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and make informed choices regarding personal and social issues;
Explore and begin to develop their own set of values and beliefs;
Develop good relationships with all members of the community (positive role models for success in life.)
We use a range of teaching and learning styles to meet the Personal Development and SMSC requirements of the National Curriculum. We emphasise active learning by including the children in discussions, investigations and problem solving activities.
We encourage children to take part in a range of tasks that promote active citizenship, for example charity fundraising, the planning of special school events (such as an assembly), involvement in helping other individuals or groups less fortunate them themselves.
We organise classes in such a way that pupils are able, through discussion, to set agreed classroom rules of behaviour, and resolve any conflicts.
Where appropriate, we offer children opportunities to hear visiting speakers, such as health workers, police and fire service, whom we invite into the school to talk about their role in creating a positive and supportive local community.
Throughout school, ‘circle time’ and class discussion is used consistently along with the Personal Development material to develop and reinforce the objectives. We use situations that arise, in every day school life, to prompt and encourage discussion.
We also have a programme of whole school and class assemblies with SMSC themes.
Please click here for our latest SMSC assembly schedule.
