Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At Hurst Green Primary School, we believe that the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development of our children is essential to their growth and success, both within our school and beyond. Guided by our core values of respect, compassion, equity, aspiration, collaboration, and responsibility, we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, socially conscious individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development. It is a key part of our curriculum and school life, aimed at nurturing the whole child. We believe that children should have opportunities to develop:

• Spiritual Awareness – Helping children explore their own beliefs and understand the beliefs of others, encouraging reflection, and developing a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
• Moral Understanding – Teaching children to distinguish between right and wrong, to understand the consequences of their actions, and to make responsible decisions.
• Social Skills – Encouraging children to interact positively with others, work together, and respect their differences.
• Cultural Awareness – Enabling children to appreciate and celebrate diversity, to learn about different cultures and traditions, and to value their own culture and heritage.

Our Approach to SMSC

At Hurst Green, we take a holistic approach to SMSC. We believe that SMSC is integrated into everything we do, from our lessons to our interactions with each other.

Here’s how we promote SMSC development across our school:

Spiritual Development

Spirituality in our school is about encouraging children to develop a sense of self-awareness, reflection, and a deeper understanding of their place in the world. We provide opportunities for spiritual growth through:

• Collective Worship and Assemblies: These provide times for reflection and exploration of values and beliefs.
• Religious Education (RE): Our RE curriculum helps children explore various beliefs, cultures, and traditions, fostering respect and understanding.
• Creative Arts: Opportunities in art, music, and drama allow children to express themselves creatively, exploring deeper emotions and ideas.

Moral Development

We strive to help children understand the difference between right and wrong and to act with integrity and honesty. Our moral development approach includes:

• Clear School Rules and Expectations: We promote a culture of respect, kindness, and responsibility.
• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education): In PSHE lessons, children learn about moral issues, such as fairness, justice, and dealing with conflicts.
• Restorative Practices: We teach children how to resolve disagreements in a fair and thoughtful way, encouraging empathy and understanding.

Social Development

We believe that social development is crucial in helping children build positive relationships and become active, engaged members of society. Our social development approach includes:

• Collaborative Learning: Through group work and cooperative activities, children learn how to work together, respect others, and value different perspectives.
• School Events: We celebrate diversity through events, such as multicultural days, charity fundraising, and school performances, which foster a sense of community.
• School Council: Our School Council gives students a voice, allowing them to participate in decision-making and contribute to school life.

Cultural Development

At Hurst Green, we celebrate the diversity of cultures and traditions within our school and the wider world. We promote cultural awareness by:

• Teaching about World Religions and Cultures: Through our RE curriculum and global studies, children learn about different cultures, customs, and beliefs.
• Cultural Celebrations: We regularly celebrate cultural festivals, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Black History Month, helping children appreciate and respect the diversity around them.
• Diverse Literature and Art: Our classroom libraries and art projects include works from a variety of cultures, encouraging children to explore different viewpoints and creative expressions.

How SMSC is Integrated into Our Curriculum

SMSC is embedded throughout our school curriculum. In addition to RE, PSHE, and collective worship, SMSC is explored through subjects such as:

• Literacy: Through storytelling, children explore moral dilemmas, different cultural perspectives, and the spiritual themes in stories.
• History and Geography: These subjects allow children to learn about different cultures and societies, both past and present.
• Art and Music: These subjects provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression while exploring cultural themes.

British Values

At Hurst Green Primary School, we are committed to promoting and upholding the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy

We actively encourage our children to have a voice and to participate in decision-making processes within the school. Our school council, made up of elected representatives from each class, provides a platform for children to share their ideas and concerns, and to work collaboratively with staff to make positive changes. Through our curriculum, we also explore the democratic process, the importance of voting, and the role of government, helping our children to develop a deeper understanding of how democracy works.

The Rule of Law

We have a clear and consistent Positive Conduct Policy that is understood and followed by all members of our school community. Children are taught the importance of rules and laws, not only within the school, but also in the wider context of British society. We work closely with local authorities and emergency services to provide our children with opportunities to engage with representatives and learn about their roles in upholding the rule of law.

Individual Liberty

At Hurst Green Primary School, we foster an environment that celebrates individuality and encourages our children to make their own choices, within a safe and supportive framework. We empower our children to express their opinions, explore their interests, and develop their unique talents and abilities. Through our curriculum and pastoral support, we help our children to understand their rights and responsibilities, and to become confident, resilient, and self-aware individuals.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect and tolerance are at the heart of our school's ethos. We actively promote an inclusive and welcoming environment, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is treated with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Our children learn about different faiths, cultures, and traditions, and are encouraged to develop a deep appreciation for the richness and variety of the world around them. We work hard to tackle any form of discrimination or intolerance, and to ensure that our school is a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

By weaving these fundamental British values into the fabric of our school, we aim to equip our children with the knowledge, skills, and qualities they need to become responsible, engaged, and compassionate citizens, ready to make a positive contribution to society.