SMSC and British Values

 

Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development (SMSC)

These aspects of learning are covered in numerous ways throughout the curriculum.  This includes regular planned opportunities for exploring British Values during Collective Worship.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual development encourages pupils to be reflective about their own beliefs. It also involves learning about and respecting the beliefs of other people. Pupils have many opportunities to learn about the world around them throughout the curriculum. Spiritual Development also involves pupils using their imagination and creativity in their learning.

Moral Development

This is the ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong. Pupils are taught to recognise this and the consequences of their behaviour or actions. All classes use the 'Well done' and 'What a shame' system which encourages children to reflect upon their behaviour. Children are encouraged to offer their own views in discussions but to also listen and appreciate the views of others.

Social Development

This involves the ability to work and socialize with others. Pupils are encouraged to work co-operatively and to find ways to resolve disputes effectively with guidance when it is required. Children have many opportunities to meet and socialize with children from other schools at sporting events throughout the year, gifted and talented workshops and transition days and cluster events.

Cultural Development

Pupils have opportunities, throughout the curriculum, to learn about different cultures in the world as well as cultural influences from the past. For example, this can be through a History topic like the Romans or learning about Divali in Religious Education.

 

Teaching British Values

 

At Eckington CE First School, British Values are taught as part of SMSC. The fundamental British Values are: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs. Elements of British Values are taught through our class topics and can be seen in our medium term plans.

Democracy

Pupils learn about democracy through our own School Council. Each class has 2 representatives who attends regular meeting with Miss Breakwell. They are responsible for passing on information from the meetings to their class and for bringing up any issues on behalf of their class at the meetings. In order to select the class representative, pupils are asked to prepare a short presentation explaining what they would do for this role. The class then cast their vote and the pupil with the highest number of votes becomes the Class Representative for that year. 

The Rule of Law

Pupils are taught the school rules and are involved in deciding their own class rules. Pupils are taught about the need for such rules to keep us all safe and to understand the consequences of not following the school rules. Older children are able to then make links between this and the importance of having Laws to govern the country.

Individual Liberty

It is important that all children at Eckington feel safe and able to make decisions in a supportive environment. Pupils, throughout the school are given the freedom to make choices from the moment they join in Reception. It is important that children are supported and understand that making a wrong decision is part of a learning process.

Mutual Respect 

Pupils are expected to show respect to all people at all times. It is an integral part of our school ethos and is demonstrated through our teaching of the children and the way in which we model these expectations to the children. Our behaviour system is used when mutual respect is not shown, and the children are helped to reflect on the need for mutual respect. 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Pupils are taught about the faith and beliefs of others through our RE curriculum. The importance of tolerance towards others is promoted at all times and particularly taught through the RE, PSHE curriculum and assemblies. Children and their families from various faith backgrounds are also encouraged to share their depth of knowledge at school.