‘All National Curriculum subjects provide opportunities to promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Explicit opportunities to promote pupils' development in these areas are provided in religious education and the non-statutory framework for personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship. A significant contribution is also made by school ethos, effective relationships throughout the school, collective worship, and other curriculum activities.’ (Department of Education)
Introduction
The value of SMSC is best seen through its impact on learners. At Ecclesbourne School we recognise the link between SMSC and the well-being of our students. As such the development of students, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a key part in their ability to learn, be happy and to succeed. SMSC is intrinsically linked to the promotion of fundamental British values. It promotes tolerance, respect as well as engendering a strong sense of self. It is important for all members of our community: students, staff, governors, parents and carers for its intent to develop empathy, build relationships with people from different groups and communities and to develop core values.
Therefore, at Ecclesbourne School we aim to provide an education that provides opportunities for our students to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, moral behaviour and an inclusive attitude towards others, and to appreciate the diversity and contribution of other cultures to our society. These principles are found in our school aims.
All curriculum areas contribute to our students’ SMSC, in addition to the pastoral systems within the school. All members of staff promote and model high moral standards and show respect for individuals and their families.
Spiritual Development
Intent
Students will be supported to:
- Develop a sense of ‘awe and wonder’ (a light bulb moment)
- Develop the ability reflect on their own beliefs, religious or non-religious, and their own perspective on life’s big questions, growing a sense of self
- Be able to discuss their beliefs, feelings, values in relation to personal experiences
- Think critically and independently, whilst also having respect for different people’s faith, feelings and values
- Develop an enjoyment in learning about the world around them
- Use their imagination and be creative in their learning
Implementation
Impact
Evidence of spiritual development from student behaviour:
- An appreciation of the ‘bigger picture’ about how things work
- A willingness to reflect on their own experiences and to be able to articulate their ideas with confidence.
- A strong understanding of their own views and how they compare to the views of others
- An ability to question their own ideas and accept challenges to their views
- A respect for, and interest in, different people’s beliefs, feelings and values
- A sense of enjoyment in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
Moral Development
Intent
Students will be supported to:
- Distinguish between right and wrong; making informed and independent actions
- Understand what is meant by integrity and justice, being aware that there are consequences of actions
- Take the initative in acting responsibly regarding themselves, others and the environment, developing a sense of empathy
- Listen and respond appropriately to the moral views of others, appreciating that views different to their own can be held
- Gain confidence in coping with setbacks and learning from personal mistakes, able to forgive themeselves as well as others
Implementation
Impact
Evidence of moral development from student behaviour:
- Ability to recognise right from wrong and to apply this to their own lives
- Understanding the consequences of their actions and demonstrating a sense of fairness
- Appreciating, tolerating and caring about the perspectives of others
- Respecting the views of others
- Learning from mistakes
Social Development
Intent
Students will be supported to:
- Use a range of social skills in different contexts, working and socialising with people from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
- Help others
- Learn how to resolve conflicts effectively
- Show respect, tolerance and understanding of fundamental British Values
Implementation
Impact
Evidence of social development from student behaviour:
- Harmonious working and socialising with people from different backgrounds
- A willingness to help and support others, both within the social group they identify with, and with groups outside of their own
- The use of respectful and tolerant language and behaviours towards others
Cultural Development
Intent
Students will be supported to:
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
- Recognise and value the things that cultures share, across different communities
- Understand how democracy affects the culture of Britain
- Respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
- Show acceptance and respect to different faiths and cultural diversity in our local community and in wider national and global communities.
Implementation
Impact
Evidence from student behaviour:
- Respect and appreciation of other cultures and their traditions
- Listening to the views of others and being prepared to assimilate ideas of others with those of their own
- Enjoyment of the diversity in the arts
- Positive responses to visitors they encounter during extra-curriculuar activities