Login


SMSC and British Values

SMSC

Shining Together, We Reach for the Stars.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Introduction

At Bromesberrow St. Mary's Church of England Primary School, Christian values are firmly embedded in the daily life of our school. As a Church school, we approach Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSCD) from a Christian perspective, offering a holistic approach to education.

The Church school offers a spiritual and moral basis for the development of human wholeness and a sure foundation for personal and social values based on the person and ministry of Christ. A distinctive language is provided for the understanding of life and interpreting human experience. As a community of faith, the Church School should, in its best expression, reflect the nature of the Trinity, a life shared and defined by reference to others. Here we can begin to discover who we are, why we are, and perhaps most importantly  what we might be.

The Way Ahead, Chapter 3 para 3.26

What is SMSCD?

SMSCD is about developing the whole child through:

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social and
  • Cultural activities

in an environment which enables all children to grow and flourish, become confident individuals and appreciate their own worth and that of others.

Our school promotes Christian fellowship and a caring and compassionate community, where pupils are able to reflect upon a world filled with awe and wonder.

Spiritual Development - 'This language of spirituality begins from the Christian understanding that everyone is a valued creation, individually and uniquely made by God, like pots made by a potter (Isaiah 64:8). Yet in life things happen that impact on the physical ‘pot’ of life and create cracks that provide a glimpse of ‘something’ beyond the tangible.' - Diocese of Gloucester. 

Spirituality Statement

'We take joy in the wows, we work through our ows and make time for the nows.'.

Moral Development - 

  • ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, readily apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England
  • understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
  • interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

Social Development - 

  • use a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
  • willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
  • acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

Cultural Development - 

  • understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
  • understand and appreciate the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
  • knowledge of Britain's democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
  • willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities
  • interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity, and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

See our SMSCD policy and Spirituality progression document for further information. 

British Values Statement

At Bromesberrow St. Mary's we value and respect different cultures, religions and beliefs. We celebrate and share diversity as a school, and our school curriculum provides a wealth of opportunity to explore this further in different contexts. Here is a sample of what we teach in relation to promoting British Values:

  • We have collective worship assemblies which celebrate and commemorate key events in British history e.g. the World Wars.
  • We have been involved and organised community events centred around this e.g. Rededication of War Memorial and commemorating the centenary of WW1, involving displays of local history and further afield.
  • Learning about Florence Nightingale and the nurses in Scutari
  • Celebrating and finding out about the history of the Olympic games, welcoming the torch to our area (a member of our school got to hold the torch) and hosting our own school games.
  • Learning about the significance of the Queens Jubilee.
  • Children have been to the local museums to find out about significant local people e.g. the poets Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and John Masefield
  • As a school, we paid our respects to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
  • We have recently been learning about the Victorian era and how this helped to shape our country, learning about the Industrial Revolution and Queen Victoria as a leader
  • Celebrating the schools 150th year. 
The 5 Fundamental British Values
Democracy:
 
Democracy is clearly apparent in our school. Pupil Voice is heard through Collective Worship group, School Council and Eco Club. Pupil surveys are regularly conducted and children have had the opportunity to take part in LA surveys to enhance on this further. Pupil voice also feeds into our School Development Plan and Values Education. In fact, our Values for the school were chosen in consultation with children, parents, staff and governors. 

The Rule of Law:

The Laws of our country are enforced through the rules in our school. Children know that there are consequences for their actions in school and staff ensure that through the curriculum and assemblies that these are related to British law. Pupils are taught the purpose of laws and how they ensure stability and safety. Visits from authorities such as the Local Authority Services, Police and Fire Service are encouraged.

Individual Liberty:

Children at Bromesberrow are encouraged to make informed choices and know that thay have rights and freedoms as individuals. As part of our PSHE/RHSE and Collective Worship curriculum we teach children boundaries and educate them on topics of morality and consequences. Children are actively encouraged and empowered to make choices in topics, learning challenges and after school clubs.

Mutual Respect:

One of our 6 core school values is respect. This was chosen by all stakeholders as an essential value for 'getting on' in the world. Respect is unpicked and explored in Collective Worship and class; the children are shown examples of this and are encouraged to be reflective and responsive to this in practice.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

We are a Christian school, who as part of our ethos are tolerant and respectful of different faiths and beliefs. Children are taught the key elements of the 6 main world faiths and have opportunity to explore these in different contexts.