SMSC

The statutory requirement that schools should encourage pupils' Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC development) was first introduced in the 1988 Education Reform Act.

The Act states that the curriculum for a maintained school must be a balanced and broadly based curriculum which:-

• Promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school and of society; and

• Prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

  The 2014 National Curriculum also stresses the importance of ensuring SMSC development is explored through all curriculum subjects.

  It is the policy of Ridgeway Primary School that all subjects can and should contribute to the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of pupils. Teachers must be aware of these responsibilities, know how the respective curriculum areas might be used, plan accordingly and be alert to the many every day, unplanned and incidental opportunities that can provide important starting points.

  At Ridgeway we believe passionately in the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of all of our children. Our strong ethos of SMSC underpins our teaching and learning within and beyond the classroom.  

  Spiritual Development

  Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to foster their own inner lives and non-material wellbeing.

  Moral Development

  Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.

  Social Development

  Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to make an active contribution to the democratic process in each of their communities.

  Cultural Development

  Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.

We are fully committed to ensuring our children become well rounded citizens of the future who:

• are happy, secure and confident in their own environment, cultures and beliefs;

• have a desire to learn about cultures and beliefs different to their own;

• value diversity and show appreciation and respect for others;

• are effective communicators, able to offer reasoned views;

• are full of awe and wonder about the world around them!

  Aims

• To ensure that every member of the school community are promoters of SMSC.

• To have a consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC across the school.

• To plan for SMSC across all areas of the curriculum.

• To seize upon spontaneous moments to enhance the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils.

• To enable children to become reflective learners, showing understanding of their own experiences and those of others.

• To encourage children to identify the difference between right and wrong, thus making the right choices.

• To provide a range of opportunities for pupils to collaborate and mix socially within and outside the school community.

• To provide a variety of opportunities to enable children to appreciate and learn more about the world around them.