SMSC: Spiritual Moral Social and Cultural
At Mordiford CE Primary School we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We, therefore, aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of the cultures.
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 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 and circle time will give pupils opportunities to:
Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
Speak about difficult events, e.g. bullying, death 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 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, etc.
Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to:
Listen and talk to each other.
Learn an awareness of treating all as equals, and accepting people who are physically or mentally different.
Agree and disagree.
Take turns and share equipment.
Work co-operatively and collaboratively.
Links with the wider community
Visitors are welcomed into school.
Links with the Church are fostered through links with the local church Holyrood in Mordiford and with the Diocesan Board of Education.
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 for it.