SMSC

Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) Education

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development is promoted across the entire school curriculum and all aspects of school life. 

Spiritual development

• ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.

• sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.

• use of imagination and creativity in their learning.

• willingness to reflect on their experiences.

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 of 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

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.

• understanding and appreciation of 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.

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.

Our vision is in ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to develop an understanding of right and wrong; an appreciation of the Arts and practise the skills and attitudes required for them to participate fully in a democratic society. SMSC development is promoted through form time sessions, weekly assemblies, PSHCE and is embedded in the ethos of the school, our school motto 'Achieving By Consistency'’.

SMSC: These are some of the ways we evidence our SMSC learning:

How we show our development at Newfield School.

Spiritual Development

• Multi faith RE Curriculum
• Whole school assemblies and school values
• Outdoor learning
• Nurture groups
•  Visits to places of worship
• Designing cards for religious festivals (Christmas and Chinese new year cards).

 Moral Development

• School behaviour policy and rewards system
• All staff attitudes and interactions provide powerful role models. Model the principles we want to promote fairness, integrity, respect etc
• Encouraging a sense of personal responsibility for own learning in class and through homework
• Children holding down roles of responsibility within the class and across the school. ( School Council)
• Give children the opportunity across the curriculum to explore and develop moral concepts and values
• Have posters and displays up around the school that reinforce school values
• Developing awareness of local, national and world issues (newspapers; news round)
• Discussion of moral issues e.g. correct information, internet safety
• Charity appeals
• Rewarding expressions of moral insights and good behaviour e.g. Sending to Head teacher/ Pupil of the week
• Personal behaviour targets
• Nurture groups-strong emphasis on social and moral development

Social Development

• Children are given opportunities to work through tasks as a team.
•  Assemblies and forums
• Researching charities and other religious forms of social caring and responsibility. Involvement with charities at home and abroad. Macmillan Water Aid APA Comic Relief
• School council
• Class greeters
• Participation in traditional and creative dance
• Groups singing and composition (Music)
• Taking part in performing arts activities e.g. school assembly or nativity productions
• Daily number and reading games for social interaction, taking turns and sharing
• Reading and discussion of social issues in literature
• Enjoyment of team games, showing co-operation, respect for others and their needs
• Knowing about and understanding the importance of family and traditions within religious faiths (Family learning)
• Social interaction to develop the confidence to do something new through play
•  Learning Support nurture group
•  Transition visits
•  Extending community links.
• - Residential visits
• - School productions
• - Sports Days

Cultural Development

• Explore cultural diversity stories, music and art
• Value different cultures in display and resources within the school
• Children are open to listening and discussing ideas linked to their own culture and that of others
• Assemblies
• Recognise and nurture particular gifts and talents
• Using Roman numerals or numbers from other cultures (new maths curriculum)
• Stories and literature from other cultures (library)
• Stories with a moral message from world religions (RE programme)
• Exploring how religious ideas are expressed in different cultures e.g. food, dress. Patters, festivals and celebrations – IPC
• School council – democratic voice
• Remembrance day assembly
•  Art and Music events
•  Book Days/Week
•  Theatre visits and trips
•  School trips to museums etc
•  School productions/performance
•  MFL in school
•  Sports Days/Week
• Opportunities for individual instrument lessons

SAVE RIMROSE VALLEY

This was a Lower School SMSC project and it gave the pupils at Newfield the chance to become part of the save Rimrose Valley campaign.

Firstly the pupils were given the opportunity to research everything that is going on at Rimrose Valley and why Highways England want to put a road through a local park.

Pupils then had the chance to debate whether Highways England (HE) are right to build a dual carriageway through Rimrose Valley in Litherland.

They wrote letters and designed posters in support of the campaign and finally the students had the chance to visit Rimrose Valley and really appreciate how lucky we are to have such a beautiful place right on our door step.