Spiritual Moral Social and Cultural Development

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.

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.

By the end of a pupil’s time in Norwood, we want our children in SMSC to:

Spiritual development

  • ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
  • knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
  • sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
  • use of imagination and creativity in their learning and a willingness to reflect on their experiences.

Moral development

  • ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives
  • recognise legal boundaries and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England
  • understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
  • interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

Social development

  • use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
  • willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
  • acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs;
  • develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

 Cultural development

  • understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
  • understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
  • ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
  • knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
  • willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
  • interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept and respect diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Files to Download

Our Values and EthosASPIRE, RESPECT and ENJOY

Contact us at Norwood Primary School

Head Teacher: Lee Dumbell
Norwood Crescent
Southport
Merseyside
PR9 7DU
SEND Contact: Rachael Brookfield - SENDCo
Chair of Governors: Mrs Lesley Lee