Spiritual Moral Social Cultural Education
We put SMSC ‘at the heart’ of school development. Our curriculum offer is designed enable our pupils to grow spiritually, morally, socially and culturally.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) is about everything we do at St Hilda’s Church of England VC Primary, to help pupils build their own personal values, have positive relationships with others and become responsible young citizens in society. SMSC development supports pupils to be kind, thoughtful and caring and to be able to live and learn alongside people with different beliefs, cultures and lifestyles.
Our provision for pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural and Emotional development (SMSC), builds on our values of our education. An important part of SMSC is to support our pupils to engage with British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and respect for different faiths and beliefs and Global values of Social Justice and Equity; Identity and Diversity; Sustainable Development; Peace and Conflict; Human Rights; and Power and governance.
We want our pupils to be reflective about their own beliefs, but also show interest and respect for the beliefs and faiths of others. We encourage pupils to reflect, not just on their own behaviour and the choices they make, but also on the skills needed to remain calm and focused on their learning.
Some assume spiritual development is about religious exploration or faith, but this is not the case –the spiritual in SMSC is concerned with developing the non-material aspects of life, focusing on personal insight, values, meaning and purpose. Beliefs that help provide perspective on life may be rooted in a religion, but equally may not. Creativity and imagination is important, as is a sense of fascination, awe and wonder.
Moral Development
The moral element is largely about choices, behaviour and how you live your life. It also focuses on personal and societal values, understanding the reasons for them and acknowledging and understanding disagreements. Discussions in class or assemblies, might explore the consequences of decisions, other people’s needs, and ways of learning from experience. Moral development enables pupils to build a framework of moral values, which regulates their personal behaviour. It is also about the development of understanding of society’s shared and agreed values.
Social Development
Social development shows pupils working together effectively, relating well to adults and participating in the local community. This element of SMSC includes a significant area of personal growth, ranging from engagement with society’s institutions to the skills for successful personal relationships.
Cultural Development
Cultural development (Cultural Capital) is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures. We create opportunities for pupils to experience art, theatre and travel. We encourage the valuing of cultural diversity and challenge racism.
Our creative curriculum allows the pupils the opportunity to learn all about different lifestyles, backgrounds and beliefs other young people have.