SMSC and British Values

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC) at Spring Hill 

SMSC development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. Some of this occurs as a result of informal, opportunistic or accidental occurrences, but at Spring Hill we do not leave it to chance. SMSC has a foundation of well planned learning across the curriculum, enabling children and the adults who work with them to flourish. We do this through our daily RAISE reflections, Assemblies, PSHRE lessons and our broader curriculum.  

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 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. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities 

 

British Values at Spring Hill 

Teaching British values to children improves their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development. The British values underpin what it is to be a British citizen in what is a modern and diverse Britain, and promote moral and cultural understanding that celebrates the diversity of the UK. Spring Hill Primary School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multi-faith nature of the United Kingdom and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting British Values. We encourage admissions from all those who are entitled to education under British Law, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. We are a school for ALL. 

The teaching of British Values is an important part of our curriculum and every day life at Spring Hill. This teaching can be found through every subject and through assemblies. The British Values we teach are: 

Democracy 
A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities. 

The rule of law 
The need for rules to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work. 

Individual liberty 
Protection of your rights and the rights of others around you. 

Mutual respect & tolerance of different faiths and beliefs 
Understanding that we all don’t share the same beliefs and values. Respecting those values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own onto them.