Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)
At South Stanley Infant & Nursery School we firmly believe that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) element of a child’s education is crucial to their development as an individual, allowing them to take their rightful place in the community as local, national and global citizens. SMSC is about the values that students are encouraged to hold, their attitude towards learning, knowledge and society.
At our school, SMSC permeates the work that we do. Through SMSC, we seek to develop attitudes and values that will enable our children to become responsible and caring members of society. We provide children with a curriculum that enables them to develop a knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures, particularly those within their own society. We also encourage children to develop questioning, enquiring minds and learn how to express their ideas appropriately.
As a school we are aware of our collective responsibilities towards SMSC and we ensure that all staff are aware of their role in developing interpersonal skills, resilience, self-esteem and in preparing children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
We celebrate student achievement, foster a sense of community and involve students as active participants as much as possible. There are weekly awards assemblies and parent events to recognise effort and participation in school life. Children are encouraged to understand they have a voice for example through their selections of role-models for their class each week. We are proud to have achieved the Investors in Children Award for the past 4 years, which reflects our dedication to ensuring pupils have a voice in our school. Holding the RRSA Level 1 award also reflects our belief that all children have a right to a voice.
Children are also encouraged to contribute to the school by developing their leadership roles as Buddies, School Council members and members of the ‘Respecting Rights Team’.
Children partake in weekly resilience sessions planned and delivered by our specialist EWEL Lead, Mrs Stobbs who is highly trained in all aspects of emotional and well-being, is a trained Mental Health First Aider and leads on Emotional Well-Being in school.
Many aspects of SMSC development are covered through day-to-day activities such as assemblies, PSHE and class councils. Please see below for our assembly overviews.
