Our Spritual, Moral, Social & Cultural (SMSC) Development
Christian SMSC
As a Church of England School, we teach our children to reflect on Christian values and to consider how these can enrich their own lives as well as the lives of others and the world around them as part of our daily act of worship.
Our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education is woven through the work of the school: through our ethos, vision and values, as well as throughout the curriculum and our daily act of worship. As part of our core values, we welcome children into our school of all cultures, faiths and beliefs. We teach children to respect themselves, others and the world around them with openness, honesty and integrity.
In 2015-16, we have further reflected on our understanding SMSC education, in collaboration with the Salisbury Diocese of Education. We have reflected on the range and depth of our SMSC provision, using the analogy of ‘Windows, Mirrors and Doors’.
- ‘Window’ experiences give children the opportunity to reach out, beyond their immediate experiences in order to look at the world in new ways.
- ‘Mirror’ activities provide opportunities for children to reflect on experiences – their own as well as the experiences of others.
- ‘Door’ expectations ask children to respond to the above, creatively and expressively, developing their thoughts and convictions. Through ‘door’ activities, the children are learning to put into action what they are coming to believe and value.
SMSC is not just implicit in our daily practice. It is also taught explicitly as part of our curriculum and our daily programme of worship. Each seasonal term, we offer our children key opportunities explore and develop their SMSC understanding. Our children not only given a range of opportunities and experiences but, through the ‘windows, mirror, door’ approach, they develop a depth of SMSC understanding, respect and belief.
As part of SMSC education, our children are taught to:
- Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
- Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
- Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the British values of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
- Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
