SMSC Policy

Parklands Primary School

SMSC Policy

 Purpose

At Parklands Junior School, we recognise that the personal development of pupils spiritually, morally, socially, and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore provide pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own:

·     values and beliefs

·     spiritual awareness

·     high standards of personal behaviour

·     positive, caring attitudes towards other people

·     understanding of their social and cultural traditions

·     appreciation of the diversity and richness of the cultures in the United Kingdom and the wider world.

By actively promoting these values, we can cultivate a common vision for our whole community, so our pupils can flourish in society and foster a sense of belonging.

We will challenge opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to fundamental British Values.

Aims

·     To ensure that all children have a voice that is listened to via the democratic process of our Pupil Council

·     To ensure that everyone connected with the school is aware of our aims, values, and ethos

·     To ensure a consistent approach to the development of SMSC understanding throughout the curriculum and the general life of the school

·     To ensure that a pupil’s education is set within a context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age, aptitude and background

·     To ensure that pupils know what is expected of them and why

·     To give each pupil a range of opportunities to reflect upon and discuss their beliefs, feelings and responses to personal experience

·     To enable pupils to develop an understanding of their individual and group identity

·     To enable pupils to begin to develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment and an appreciation of the many cultures that enrich our society

·     To give each pupil the opportunity to explore social and moral issues and develop a sense of social and moral responsibility.

·     To develop resilience

Spiritual Development

·     At Parklands, we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

·     Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experiences

·     Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought

·     Develop their emotional literacy and enable them to express their feelings and respect and value others

·     Experience moments of stillness and reflection

·     Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences

·     Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships

·     Reflect on, consider, and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life

·     Explore the surrounding world using imagination and creativity.

Moral Development

At Parklands, we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

·     Recognise the unique value of each individual

·     Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others

·     Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks, learn from mistakes and understand consequences

·     Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others

·     Distinguish between right and wrong and to respect school rules and the law

·     Investigate moral and ethical issues

·     Show respect for the environment

·     Make informed, independent, and reasoned judgements

·     Value individual liberty

Social Development

At Parklands, we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

·     Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity

·     Learn their part in the school and wider community

·     Begin to understand social justice and a concern for the disadvantaged

·     Understand their responsibility to influence decision-making in the communities they belong to, including respect for democracy and participating in the democratic process

·     Develop effective social skills

·     Use social skills in different contexts

·     Work well with others

·     Learn to co-operate and to resolve conflicts with increasing independence

·     Know that rules and laws protect us and are essential for our well-being and safety

·     Learn how to argue constructively and defend their point of view

Cultural Development

At Parklands, we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

·     Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain

·     Participate in cultural opportunities

·     Recognise and develop an understanding of world-wide faiths, traditions and cultures and their contribution to our society

·     Understand, accept, respect, be tolerant of and celebrate diversity and know that is should not be the cause of any prejudice or discrimination

·     Develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment

How will we do this?

Within the School Community

·     Children and young people are included and are valued as individuals.

·     Relationships are positive and founded on dignity and a mutual respect for all, this is demonstrated through the behavior policy with the pupils using the language of UNCFC to help empower themselves. 

·     Children’s social and emotional wellbeing is a priority. They learn to develop healthy lifestyles through PE, science, PSHE, special themed weeks and other areas of the curriculum.

·     Children and young people value education and are involved in making decisions about their education. Children and young people know that their views are taken seriously. This is promoted via pupil led groups. For example:  Ambassadors; Anti-bullying Committee; Pupil Council; Digital Leaders; Historians; Sports Leaders.

Teaching and Organisation

·     Development in SMSC will take place in RE, Art, Music, PE, PSHE and across all curriculum areas, within activities that encourage pupils to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.

·     Development of critical thinking skills

·     All curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible.

Links with the Wider Community

·     Visitors are welcomed into the school

·     Links with religious communities in our local area are sought. We have a strong link with Good Shepherd Church and also use other local places of worship for our curriculum work

·     The development of a strong home-school link is regarded as very important, enabling parents/carers and teachers to work in an effective partnership and support the pupil

·     Pupils will be taught to appreciate their local environment and to develop a sense of responsibility to it

·     Via our Pastoral Manager

·     Through extra-curricular opportunities

·     Through links with our local secondary schools

·     Through links with local charities such as the local food bank

·     Through themed weeks, the language linked to SMSC is used to describe how world events impact on their lives and on the lives of children everywhere.

·     All children have taken action to uphold their rights and the rights of others, locally and globally.

Promotion of fundamental British Valus

Link Documents

·     The Staff Handbook

·     Annual assembly themes

·     PSHE Policy

·     Curriculum Maps and Termly Overviews

·      Positive Behaviour Policy

·     Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

·     Health and Safety Policy

·     Teaching and Learning policy

·     SEND policy

·     Safer Internet Use Agreements

·     Religious Education Policy

·     Anti-Bullying Policy

·     Collective Worship Policy

·     PSHCE Policy

·     Single Equality Policy

Date Reviewed:  Autumn 2021

Review Date:         Autumn 2023