Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural
What is SMSC?
It is the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the children in our school. This is not a separate subject that is taught explicitly but an aspect of learning that is present in lessons and behaviour in our school. Rise Park Infant School focuses on developing these through ‘cultural capital’. Cultural capital is about preparing children with the knowledge and skills for what comes next. We realise the exploration of new skills and experiences helps to nurture resilience, curiosity and creativity. Ultimately, this leads to the growth of new forms of cultural capital that makes a difference in individual mindsets and shape the future.
British Values
As part of SMSC, Rise Park Infant School actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, The Rule of Law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.
Spiritual Development
Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
Moral Development
Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
Social Development
Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
Cultural Development
Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in cultural opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
Cultural Capital
Each year group has a ‘Cultural Capital Challenge’ for the children to complete over the year through school and home learning. These challenges relate to the five key areas above. We look forward to the children sharing their achievements over the next twelve months.
The spiritual development of pupils is shown by their:
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 • willingness to reflect on their experiences
The moral development of pupils is shown by their:
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 the ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
The social development of pupils is shown by their:
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, cooperating 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; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
The cultural development of pupils is shown by their:
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
Ways we Promote SMSC at Rise Park Infant School:
Cultural Capital Challenge card
Questioning: Who am I? What are my personal views on right and wrong? How do I fit into my local and global community? What ‘cultural capital’ can I gain – and how will this inform my thinking around this, and other subjects?
School Aim, Creed and Learning Powers
Class and school rules
Key roles and responsibilities in the school, e.g. School Council, Junior Travel Ambassadors, Eco-Warriors, Science Ambassadors, Playleaders, pupil voice etc
Class portfolios documenting lessons, events and festivals
School Assembly themes, festivals and productions, e.g. Religious Festivals, Harvest productions, Christmas productions, Year 6 production etc • Religious Education Curriculum – visits to places of worship • Learning a language – Spanish
Music sessions, e.g. Piano lessons
Recounting facts about Britain’s parliamentary system, past and present (e.g. Guy Fawkes, naming the current prime minister)
Recounting and debating British historical events or periods that explain fundamental values (e.g. Romans, Tudor religion, slave trade/empire, Victorian reforms, WW2)
Taking part in special days and charity days, e.g. Remembrance Sunday, Sports Relief, Harvest – food bank donations
Extra-curricular clubs
Walking the ‘Daily Mile’
Multicultural experiences e.g. Arts Week, including drumming sessions, Black History Week, Wellbeing Week
‘Cultural Flash’ sharing something interesting spiritually, morally, culturally etc