Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development at Newdale Primary School
At Newdale Primary we work to develop not only children’s academic knowledge, but rather the child as a whole. It is within our ethos to develop our pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural being.
Spiritual Development
We teach children about themselves, others and the world around them in order to inspire and develop a sense of awe and wonder. We explore values and beliefs in which to inform their perspective on life and respect for other people. Creativity is at the heart of our curriculum and we encourage a willingness to reflect on their own experiences.
Moral Development
We provide opportunities for children to investigate moral and ethical issues in order to develop their ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, with a readiness to apply this understanding in their own lives. We develop their understanding of consequences of their actions.
Social Development
We develop social skills through working and socialising with and alongside others from a variety of different backgrounds. We learn to cooperate well with others and resolve conflicts effectively. We teach children about the way their own community as well as wider society and other communities function.
Cultural Development
We explore and develop an understanding and respect for cultural diversity. We celebrate diversity within our school and share knowledge and experience within the community. We provide opportunities to explore a variety of art, music, sport, science and festivals. We also develop an appreciation of cultural influences that have shaped the children’s own heritage.
On a termly basis, our class teachers update our SMSC subject specific documents (e.g. SMSC in History) to identify how we address SMSC throughout our curriculum.
Protected Characteristics
At Newdale…
…there are no outsiders
…everyone is different
…we celebrate our differences
…we are all equal in our differences
Our Life Learning Curriculum is the backbone of our children’s personal development. At Newdale, we actively promote protected characteristics in our curriculum and work to embed them into our ethos. Our Life Learning Curriculum encompasses the teaching and learning of protected characteristics to ensure that children are well-informed of these characteristics and the rights of people within these communities in an age-appropriate way. Children are aware of discrimination and, as a result, we all work hard to ensure everyone at Newdale or in our community is included and accepted. Children at Newdale are respectful towards all individuals. They recognise the importance of treating people fairly and respecting everyone’s rights.
In addition to our Life Learning curriculum, our wider curriculum provides planned opportunities to support children’s knowledge and understanding of the protected characteristics. This is covered through:
– our Religious Education Curriculum
– our History Curriculum including Black History Month.
– British Values Week
– trips and Visits
– high-quality resources and displays
Our robust assembly offer provides more opportunities for children to learn more about these protected characteristics as well as how to keep themselves and others safe.
Our Assembly Intent: For children to…
…Become responsible, respectful and active citizens
…know the difference between right and wrong
…know the consequences of their behaviour and actions
…have the knowledge and respect for different faiths, feelings and values
…enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
…create an environment where children feel safe and where bullying, harassment, discrimination etc is not tolerated
…know how to keep themselves safe including online
…understand protected characteristics, promoting equality and diversity
…be prepared for their adult lives
…support children with how to engage in society
Here are some of the ways we embed protected characteristics into our curriculum, school environment and culture: