SMSC
16 Feb 2024
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
- Maya Angelou
SMSC offer at Downsell Primary School
We provide a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum within which we promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that life offers.
SMSC is in an integral part of school life and the on-going education of all of our pupils. It is not a separate subject that is taught explicitly but an aspect of learning that is present in lessons and behaviour in school. Through our curriculum planning and assemblies, together with enriching experiences, children have the opportunity to explore values and beliefs, including different religions and the way in which they impact on people's lives. Some lessons lend themselves more easily to direct SMSC development such as PSHE and RE. We ensure opportunities for developing the British Values through our SMSC.
Definition of SMSC
SMSC is defined in the Ofsted School inspection handbook November 2019:
The spiritual development of pupils is shown by their:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
- knowledge of, 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
The moral development of pupils is shown by their:
- ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, recognise legal boundaries 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 ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
The social development of pupils is shown by their:
- use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those 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; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
The cultural development of pupils is shown by their:
- 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 in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
- ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across
cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
- 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, musical, 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 and respect diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. Have a look at how SMSC links to our curriculum
SMSC across the Curriculum.pdf
Please click on the links below for some examples of SMSC across our curriculum in different year groups:
Year 2 SMSC.pdf
Year 3 SMSC.pdf
Year 6 SMSC.pdf