Spiritual, moral, social & cultural development (SMSC)

 “The important thing is not to stop questioning...... Never lose a holy curiosity.” Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (1879 –1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity.

We are committed to fostering the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development of all pupils. As a Church of England school, our Christian distinctiveness is central to our ethos, and we strive to nurture every child within a framework of Christian values and beliefs.  

• We provide a nurturing environment which supports pupils’ spiritual growth, moral understanding, social skills, and cultural awareness within a Christian context.
• We prepare pupils to be responsible citizens who respect others and value diversity.
• We promote British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.
• We ensure SMSC is integrated into all aspects of school life, from curriculum planning to extracurricular activities, with a focus on Christian distinctiveness.

SMSC education in our school is inclusive and accessible to all pupils. We celebrate diversity and ensure that every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. As a Church of England school, we ensure that all pupils, regardless of faith, feel welcomed and supported in exploring spiritual and moral BIG questions. 

What is SMSC? 

1. Spiritual Development: Encouraging pupils to explore their beliefs and values, reflect on their experiences, and develop a sense of wonder about the world, rooted in the Christian faith and teachings.
2. Moral Development: Helping pupils recognise the difference between right and wrong, make responsible choices, and understand the consequences of their actions, guided by Christian principles.
3. Social Development: Enabling pupils to build positive relationships, work collaboratively, and contribute to their community, reflecting Jesus' teachings of love, kindness, forgiveness and service to others.
4. Cultural Development: Broadening pupils' understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, fostering respect for diversity, and celebrating shared human experiences, while recognising the role of Christianity in shaping British and global culture.

SMSC - What do we do?

SMSC is delivered through a combination of:

School Values and Ethos:

• The school’s core values reflect Christian principles and are regularly celebrated through awards, displays, and community events.

Curriculum:

• SMSC themes are woven into all subject areas, including Religious Education, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education), and the wider curriculum, with an emphasis on Christian values and teachings.
• Opportunities for reflection and discussion are integrated into lessons.
• We ensure that all children visit museums, use public transport and engage with the local community as part of our curriculum design. 

 Collective and class based Worship:

• Whole-school and class worship focuses on themes such as kindness, jjustice respect, resilience, and cultural celebrations, rooted in Christian teachings and values. We use Picture News to make sure our children access relevant thought provoking materials which encourage them to question and debate. 

 Extra-Curricular Activities:

• Clubs, trips, and events promote teamwork, creativity, and an appreciation of diversity. Our rich offer enables children to broadens their horizons, encounter new experiences, take risks, learn new skills and travel locally and futher afield.  
• Our staff offer a range of clubs which enable children to take part in a range of activities e.g. sports, music, choir, crafts, games, science, computing etc.

 Pupil Leadership and Responsibility:

• The School Council, Shine Council and Eco Council provide opportunities for pupils from every class to contribute to decision-making and environmental initiatives, fostering their sense of democracy and social responsibility.
• Roles such as prefects, playleaders and other pupil responsibilities encourage leadership skills, teamwork, and accountability.

 Community Engagement:

• Pupils participate in local and global initiatives, such as charity work and environmental projects with a focus on Christian service and stewardship.
• They use the local facilities within our Curricum and offer back to the community, the church and parish in service.