WHAT IS SMSC?
SMSC is about developing our pupils as a whole person. This includes their Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. We should be able to identify some or all of these elements in every lesson we teach. When planning please provide opportunities for pupils to cover these.
WHO AM I?
As we grow we should start to reflect on ourselves, our thoughts actions and feelings. Through SMSC in schools, we should be actively aiding pupils’ development on the road to understanding who they are. Elements of SMSC should be present in every lesson.
WHAT DO I THINK?
Pupils’ Spiritual development is shown by their willingness to share and reflect on the beliefs that inform their perspective on life and the respect they have for the feelings and values of others. Pupils with strong spiritual development should also demonstrate enjoyment in learning about themselves, the world and beyond. Pupils’ spiritual development can also be displayed through the use of creativity and use of their imagination in their learning. They should care and dare to dream as this encourages them to develop their own beliefs and values. It is about developing their ‘soul’, ‘personality’ or ‘character’.
WHY DO I THINK IT?
Pupils’ Moral development is shown by their understanding of right, wrong and consequence of their actions. Pupils should be given the opportunity to learn about moral and ethical issues and be willing and able to offer reasoned personal opinions on such issues. They should be able recognise and more importantly understand what society’s values and how and why these change.
WHO CAN I SHARE IT WITH?
Pupils’ Social development is shown by their willingness to participate in a range of activities and with pupils from a variety of different backgrounds. They should be able to cooperate with others, recognise conflict and solve it. Pupils should also be interested in and understand how their school and society functions and their role in this. It also involves the development of interpersonal skills necessary for successful relation- ships.
WHERE DO MY INFLUENCES COME FROM?
Students Cultural development can be demonstrated through their willingness to participate in a variety of cultural opportunities for example, music, sport, technology. They should understand and celebrate what makes us the same in our community and equally recognise, respect and celebrate what makes us different. Pupils’ should be interested in and appreciate what their heritage is and what makes them who they are. In doing so, the school should be valuing cultural diversity and in so doing, preventing racism.
