What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development. It is not a stand-alone curriculum subject but is embedded across the whole of the National Curriculum and is an integral part of school life.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development involves the children being reflective on their own beliefs and being respectful of the beliefs, feelings and values of others. Children should gain enjoyment from learning about themselves and others around them. Many spiritual development activities involve acts of collective worship and are covered by the RE curriculum (Durham Agreed Syllabus).
Moral Development
Moral development enables the children to acquire an understanding of right and wrong, of moral conflict and a concern for others. It teaches the children about the consequences of their actions and respect for the civil and criminal law of England. Opportunities for discussion regarding moral and ethical issues is provided. Many aspects of this are covered through our curriculum, particularly through history and geography lessons. Our behaviour team meetings also address many aspects of moral development. We also participate in the annual Go Givers Challenge (Winners 2014) which covers many aspects of moral development.
Social Development
Social development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of belonging to society. It is providing children with the knowledge, skills and experiences to be an effective member of society. Pupils develop respect for all regardless of religious, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds. Pupils are encouraged to uphold the British values of democracy, law, liberty, respect and tolerance of all. Much of this learning can be achieved through our curriculum. We also have links with a school in Kenya and are forming links with other schools in the UK that have a different ethnic, cultural or socio-economic background. Our school also holds the Rights Respecting Award.
Cultural Development
Cultural development allows pupils to understand the cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage. It educates children on the wide cultural diversity of Britain and encourages celebration, respect, tolerance and acceptance of all regardless of different faiths or cultures. Children should also be encouraged to participate in artistic, sporting and cultural activities. Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its role in shaping our history and values is covered as part of cultural development.
In addition to the SMSC activities that are covered as part of our curriculum, we also have many individual events and activities across the year to cover various aspects of SMSC. Please see the following document for the activities additional to the curriculum that support SMSC development.
Activities to Promote SMSC and British Values Provision at Sunnybrow Primary School
British Values
At Sunnybrow Primary we aim to prepare our pupils to become global citizens and to live life in modern Britain. We do this by encouraging our children to embrace the fundamental British Values which we actively promote in school.
What are British Values?
The four British values are as follows:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Democracy
This relates to pupil voice being heard and valued in school and encouraging children to become involved in decision making processes where possible. It is also important that children has understand how democracy has shaped modern Britain, how the democratic process has evolved through history and how the lack of democracy can affect people globally.
Rule of Law
This is to ensure that children have an understanding of the importance of criminal and civil law in Britain. It relates to children understanding the difference between right and wrong and that there are consequences for their actions. Respect for those that uphold and enforce the law is encouraged as is an understanding that rules and laws are in place to protect us as individuals.
Individual Liberty
This concerns the right for freedom. This includes the freedom of speech, the freedom to make choices and decisions about ourselves and the freedom to our own opinion. It also acknowledges that with this freedom comes personal responsibility; the responsibility that we won’t hurt or offend others with our thoughts and actions.
Mutual Tolerance and Respect of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is rooted in an acceptance that modern Britain in diverse, is multi-cultural and multi-faith. It is an acknowledgement that no religion or belief is right or wrong and that we should all be valued as human beings and treated with equal respect and consideration. This includes respect regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.
