Spiritual, Moral Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)

At Alexandra Primary school we recognise that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural element of children’s education is crucial to their development as an individual, allowing them to flourish. SMSC begins in Early Years and is the foundation to children's learning.

Through our aims and values, British Values,  the wider curriculum, our Rights Respecting agenda and our ethos, we provide opportunities to develop SMSC.  This is encompassed in  Aspire, Perform, Succeed.

We believe that where there is a positive climate for learning, all that children encounter and are exposed to can contribute to children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and develop their character.

SMSC is about the values, beliefs and attitudes that pupils are encouraged to develop.  SMSC is fundamental in preparing children for their next stage in education and eventually  the wider world as local, national and global citizens.

Alexandra Primary School therefore, aims to provide an education that affords 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 a range of cultures.

The children’s spiritual development is shown by their:

• ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their 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 children’s moral development 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.
• 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 children’s social development is shown by their:

• use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with others, 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,  mutual respect, compassion  and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, developing and demonstrating skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

The children’s cultural development is shown by their:

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and those 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
• 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, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Through our Right Respecting agenda, we promote all of the articles with children.  But in particular:

• Article 12- Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.

• Article 13 - Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.

• Article 14 –Every child has the right to think and believe what they want and practice their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights of parents to give their children information about this right.

• Article 15 – Every child has the right to meet with other children and to enjoy groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

• Article 28 – Every child has the right to an education.

• Article 29 – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the children’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.

• Article 30 - Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.

• Article 31 – Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.