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Willingham Primary School

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

What is Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development?

Spiritual
Explore beliefs and experience; respect values; discover oneself and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral
Recognise right and wrong; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social
Use social skills in different contexts; work well with others; resolve conflicts; understand how communities work.

Cultural
Appreciate cultural influences; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

At Willingham Primary 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 aim to provide an education that provides 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 the cultures.

All curriculum areas have a contribution to make to the child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

All adults will model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as unique and valuable individuals and showing respect for pupils and their families.

  • The school community will be a place where pupils can find acceptance for themselves as unique individuals and where forgiveness and the opportunity to start again is fundamental to the ethos of the school.
  • Pupils should learn to differentiate between right and wrong in as far as their actions affect other people. They will be encouraged to value themselves and others.
  • Pupils should understand the need for rules and the need to abide by rules for the good of everyone. School rules reflect, reiterate, promote and reward acceptable behaviour and provide opportunities to celebrate pupils’ work and achievements.
  • All curriculum areas seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible.