SMSC at Wittering Primary School

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development, which refers to the broader personal development of children and young people. It encompasses a wide range of values, beliefs, and experiences that shape an individual's identity and understanding of the world around them. SMSC is a crucial aspect of education, as it helps children and young people develop a strong sense of self and an awareness of their place in society.

SMSC is a vital part of education, as it helps children and young people to develop into well-rounded, thoughtful, and respectful individuals. By promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, schools can help students develop a sense of identity and purpose, as well as an awareness of their place in society. This, in turn, can help to promote social cohesion and understanding, as well as contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of students.

Spiritual

Spiritual development refers to the development of a sense of identity and belonging, as well as an understanding of life's purpose and meaning. It includes exploring and developing an individual's own beliefs, values, and experiences, as well as respecting the beliefs and experiences of others.

We promote spirituality through our PSHCE lessons as we develop an understanding of different emotions. We also discuss valuing feelings and emotions. In our RE lessons we explore and understand different religions and beliefs. Children in Key Stage Two reflect upon the world around them and explore others beliefs and values and reflect upon these. They develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

Moral

Moral development relates to the development of a sense of right and wrong, as well as an understanding of how to behave in a way that is consistent with one's own values and beliefs. It also involves developing empathy and respect for others and their beliefs.

At Wittering we encourage moral development in many ways. In Key Stage One children learn the difference between right and wrong through their PSHCE lessons as well as considering the consequences of actions. In Key Stage Two children learn the importance of rules and laws, they also develop a sense of responsibility and empathy for others. Our assemblies also cover topics such as laws in our country and respect for others.

Social

Social development is about developing relationships with others and understanding how to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It involves learning about social norms, customs, and traditions, as well as developing social skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

We promote social development through encouraging positive relationships with others and recognising and respecting differences in others. Children learn to develop teamwork and communication skills across our curriculum and are supported at playtimes and lunchtimes to resolve any conflicts and disagreements. Our RE lessons enable children to develop an understanding of different cultures and beliefs.

 

Cultural

Cultural development involves understanding and appreciating the richness and diversity of different cultures, and the ability to interact respectfully with people from different backgrounds. It involves learning about different customs, traditions, and beliefs, as well as understanding the historical and social contexts that shape them.

Cultural development at Wittering is developed by learning about different cultures in our RE lessons and assemblies. Children learn about different traditions and celebrations in different cultures. Inclusion and diversity is a key part of our ethos at Wittering and links to our school value of equality. Children at Wittering develop a sense of identify and belonging and this is promoted through assemblies and everything we do as part of our school community.

Links with the Wider Community

• Visitors are welcomed into our school
• Links with the local church are fostered
• Visits to places of worship of other faiths are arranged to support the understanding of different cultures
• The school supports the work of a variety of charities
• The development of a strong home-school agreement is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the children
• Liaison with local secondary schools to support the primary curriculum and effective transition, takes place regularly
• School council meetings are held regularly.