SMSC and RE

SMSC

At St Martin’s Garden Primary School, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a fundamental role in their ability to learn and achieve.  We aim to provide opportunities and an environment in which pupils can explore and develop their own values and beliefs as well as foster high standards of personal behaviour and a caring attitude.  As such, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development is not just a curriculum focus, but infiltrates into the ethos of the school through the development of positive attitudes and values. From the Spiritual, moral, Social and Cultural programme children will have a clear understanding of the St Martin’s Garden vision; Aspire, Reach out, Together, Achieve and the school’s values of joy, forgiveness, kindness, respect and honesty.

Principles

St Martin’s Garden Primary School is committed to offering the children the opportunities to:

  • Identify, reflect on and explore experiences
  • Understand the differences between right and wrong
  • Explore and develop their understanding of the fundamental British Values of democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law and mutual respect and tolerance
  • Discuss and take an interest in moral issues
  • Celebrate a diversity of cultures within the school and beyond
  • Develop and talk about their own attitudes and values
  • Take responsibility for and make well-informed decisions
  • Develop an understanding of social responsibilities and citizenship

SMSC development is crucial for individual children and it is crucial for society as a whole.  We believe it is the heart of what education is all about – helping pupils grow and develop as people and this is at the heart of the school’s ethos.

Partnership: Links with the wider community

  • Visitors are welcomed into school.
  • Links with our other schools are fostered through visits, staff working across the trust
  • The development of a strong home-school link is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the pupil.
  • Pupils will be taught to appreciate their local environment and to develop a sense of responsibility to it.

Teaching and Learning: How SMSC is addressed at St Martin’s Garden Primary School.

Development in SMSC will take place across all curriculum areas, within learning sequences that encourage pupils to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.

All curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible.

Class discussions will give pupils opportunities to:

  • Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
  • Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
  • Speak about difficult events and issues, e.g. bullying, bereavement etc.
  • Share thoughts and feelings with other people.
  • Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
  • Consider others’ needs and behaviour.
  • Show empathy.
  • Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
  • Develop a sense of belonging.
  • Develop the skills and attitudes that enable pupils to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally — e.g. empathy, respect, open mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness

Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to:

  • Listen and talk to each other.
  • Learn an awareness of treating all as equals.
  • Agree and disagree.
  • Take turns and share equipment.
  • Work cooperatively and collaboratively.

Curriculum Opportunities:

At St Martin’s Garden Primary school key elements of SMSC and British Values are delivered across the curriculum.  It is an expectation at St Martin’s Garden Primary School that all staff, in all subjects, can and should make a contribution to the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC) of pupils through the taught curriculum and through the use of appropriate teaching and learning strategies such as discussion, reflection and pupil participation.

Assembly programme and The Week Junior:

The Assembly and The Week Junior provide further opportunities for pupils to reflect upon and develop their awareness of a range of current affairs.  Assemblies have been adapted to ensure delivery of key themes and wider current affairs whilst ensuring education is not disrupted.  ‘Current Affairs’ takes place across the curriculum during assemblies and in conversations with their teachers which provides an opportunity for discussion and reflection on wider SMSC issues.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

The extensive programme of extra-curricular offerings provides children with opportunities to develop their SMSC awareness outside of the classroom.  Pupils are actively encouraged to immerse themselves in the extra-curricular programme, such as the sporting club programme. Discovery Days enhance the curriculum and provide further opportunities for children to widen their interests.

RE

At St Martin’s Garden Primary School, we provide a non-denominational Religious Education for all children. 

We believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, faith and beliefs, so that they can understand the world around them. 

The aim of our RE curriculum is that all children will acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. 

Religious Education plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. 

We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. 

Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence. 

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