At LaceyField, we are passionate about celebrating and embracing our differences. Through our SMSC curriculum, we explore key themes each week, linked to our bee-haviours for learning and life. These themes address the protected characteristics in the Equality Act, teaching our children to have respect for diversity in our school, local community and beyond. Our core values and culture at LaceyField has a strong focus on SMSC and promotes an environment in which children can become the best version of themselves.
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.
Some assume spiritual development is about religious exploration or faith, but this is not the case – this subject is covered in religious studies, PSHE or within assemblies. The spiritual in SMSC is concerned with developing the non-material aspects of life, focusing on personal insight, values, meaning and purpose. Beliefs that help provide perspective on life may be rooted in a religion, but equally may not. Creativity and imagination is important, as is a sense of fascination, awe and wonder. This area of SMSC particularly links to our ‘Be In Charge of Me’, ‘Be Brave’ and ‘Be Curious’ bee-haviours for learning and life.
The moral element is largely about choices, behaviour and how you live your life. It’s also about personal and societal values, understanding the reasons for them and airing and understanding disagreements. Sessions might explore the consequences of decisions, other people’s needs, and ways of learning from experience. This area of SMSC particularly links to our ‘Be In Charge of Me’, ‘Be Brave’ and ‘Be On The Team’ bee-haviours for learning and life. This area also touches on other bee-haviours for learning and life such as ‘Be Grateful’.
Social development shows pupils working together effectively, relating well to adults and participating in the local community. This links with our ‘Be On The Team’ bee-haviour. This element of SMSC includes a significant area of personal growth, ranging from engagement with society’s institutions to the skills for successful personal relationships.
Cultural development is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures. Schools might create opportunities for pupils to experience art, theatre and travel. Valuing cultural diversity and challenging racism is important. This area of SMSC links to all of our bee-haviours for learning and life: Be Brave, Be Kind, Be Grateful, Be In Charge of Me, Be On The Team and Be Curious.
Promoting Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC in schools
SMSC Quality Mark – Information
Young Citizens – Further information on SMSC