SMSC - Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural

At school we embed SMSC in all aspects of our school life. Our definitions for SMSC are:- 

Spiritual: The opportunity to explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences.

Moral: The opportunity to learn what is right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views.

Social: The opportunity to use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict.

Cultural: The opportunity to explore and appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in cultural opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Please download our SMSC audit here. This gives more details of how SMSC is incorporated across all aspects of school life.

We promote 'British Values' at every level, including through our SMSC curriculum.

 Promoting Fundamental British Values at Caldershaw Primary School

At school we aim to promote 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 government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. At Caldershaw these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School and Eco Councils and Pupil questionnaires. The elections of House Captains and School and Eco councillors are based on pupil votes.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service and visits to Crucial Crew; are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHRE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Embedded in our school ethos, our CARE values and behaviour policy are core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving, celebrating, learning and understanding about the different religions and faiths in our community and the wider community as well as why prejudices occur have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHRE. The message to our children is that we are all different and all the same and that those differences and similarities should be celebrated and respected. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We ensure all children visit and experience places of worship from all faiths locally to reinforce our positive messages.