What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must now show how well they support children’s SMSC development.
What does each aspect of SMSC include?
Within or Cornerstones Curriculum, we define the aspects of SMSC as follows:
Spiritual: The opportunity to explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences.
Moral: The opportunity to learn what is right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views.
Social: The opportunity to use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict.
Cultural: The opportunity to explore and appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in cultural opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
What are fundamental British values?
In 2014, the Department for Education told all schools to promote ‘British values’ and advised that this is done through SMSC.
Ofsted also require schools to promote ‘British values’ at every level including through their SMSC development, the curriculum and school leadership.
The fundamental British values are:
-
democracy
-
the rule of law
-
individual liberty
-
tolerance and respect
How does SMSC promote fundamental British values (FBV)?
At our school, we aim to embed SMSC in all aspects of school life, from individual lessons to extra-curricular activities and assemblies. Our Pupil Ambassadors also help us to deliver SMSC and FBV goals ( read their job description on the school homepage)
One of the important reasons that we decided to choose the Cornerstones curriculum is that SMSC is at the heart of the curriculum. Pedagogy, The Four Cornerstones, are based upon the aspects of SMSC. This ensures together with our assembly overview, values, vision and Pupil Ambassadors, we can evidence SMSC in everything that we do.
