Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

Definition

At Sunbury Manor School we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a fundamental role in their ability to learn and achieve.  We aim to provide opportunities and an environment in which pupils can explore and develop their own values and beliefs as well as foster high standards of personal behaviour and a caring attitude.  As such, SMSC is not just a curriculum focus, but infiltrates into the ethos of the school through the development of positive attitudes and values. 

Principles

Sunbury Manor School is committed to offering students the opportunities to:

  • Identify, reflect on and explore experiences
  • Understand the differences between right and wrong
  • Discuss and take an interest in moral issues
  • Celebrate a diversity of cultures within the school and beyond
  • Develop and talk about their own attitudes and values
  • Take responsibility for and make well-informed decisions
  • Develop an understanding of social responsibilities and citizenship

SMSC development is crucial for individual pupils and it is crucial for society as a whole.  We believe it is the heart of what education is all about – helping pupils grow and develop as people and this is at the heart of the Sunbury Manor Learner Profile.

Partnership: Links with the wider community

  • Visitors are welcomed into school.
  • Links with our main feeder schools are fostered through visits, staff working at the schools etc.
  • The development of a strong home-school link is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the pupil.
  • Pupils will be taught to appreciate their local environment and to develop a sense of responsibility to it.

Teaching and Learning: How SMSC is addressed at Sunbury Manor School

Development in SMSC will take place across all curriculum areas, within activities that encourage pupils to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.

All curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible.

Class discussions will give pupils opportunities to:

  • Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
  • Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
  • Speak about difficult events and issues, eg bullying, bereavement, LGBT etc.
  • Share thoughts and feelings with other people.
  • Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
  • Consider others’ needs and behaviour.
  • Show empathy.
  • Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
  • Develop a sense of belonging.
  • Develop the skills and attitudes that enable pupils to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally — e.g empathy, respect, open mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness

Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to:

  • Listen and talk to each other.
  • Learn an awareness of treating all as equals.
  • Agree and disagree.
  • Take turns and share equipment.
  • Work cooperatively and collaboratively.

Curriculum Opportunities:

At Sunbury Manor School key elements of SMSC ad British Values are delivered across the curriculum.  It is an expectation at Sunbury Manor School that all staff, in all subjects, can and should make a contribution to the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development of pupils through the taught curriculum and through the use of appropriate teaching and learning strategies such as discussion, reflection and pupil participation.

 

Assembly programme and morning registration:

The Assembly and Morning Registration programmes provide further opportunities for pupils to reflect upon and develop their awareness of a range of topical issues.  Assemblies occur at a whole school level, as well as year assemblies.  ‘Current Affairs’ takes place for KS3 during morning registration with forms and their tutors and provides an opportunity for discussion and reflection on wider SMSC issues.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities:

The extensive programme of extra-curricular offerings provides pupils with opportunities to develop their SMSC awareness outside of the classroom.  Pupils are actively encouraged to immerse themselves in the extra-curricular programme, such as sporting, creative arts and academic clubs and societies.