Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)
At Keston Primary School we recognise that a child’s personal development plays and important role in their ability to learn and achieve. As such, we aim to provide opportunities that enable children to explore and develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally (SMSC).
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development is concerned with the exploration and development of feelings and emotions; personality, individuality and uniqueness; and knowledge and understanding of their own and different beliefs and cultures.
As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:
- Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experience.
- Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought.
- Foster their emotional life and express their feelings.
- Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
- Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences.
- Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships.
- Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
Moral development
Moral development relates particularly to developing knowledge and understanding of right and wrong. Pupils learn to make choices in their behaviour through developing knowledge of boundaries and understanding of consequences. They learn by example and by practise this in all areas of their learning through role-play, story and group activities.
As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:
- Recognise the unique value of each individual.
- Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others.
- Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes.
- Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others.
- Distinguish between right and wrong.
- Show respect for the environment.
- Take action for justice.
- Make informed and independent judgments.
Social Development
Social development relates to the development of knowledge and understanding and the acquisition of skills in relating to others. This begins with family and friends and extends to the wider community beyond. Pupils are taught as part of our school ethos to respect each other and to appreciate each other’s similarities and differences. An awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live is also developed.
As a school we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to:
- Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
- Learn about service in the school and wider community.
- Develop an ‘I can do’ philosophy.
- Develop their out of school hours learning.
Cultural Development
Cultural development is concerned with encountering the defining aspects of different cultures. Explorations of values, beliefs, customs, foods, artefacts and stories allow the pupils to make comparisons and develop knowledge of lifestyles and choices of others.
As a school we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to:
- Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain, and how these influence individuals and society.
- Develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment.
- Develop an understanding of Britain's local, national, European, Commonwealth and global dimensions.
- Learn an additional language in KS2 (to raise pupil aspirations and promote internationalism)
Where you can find SMSC in Keston Primary School:
- The curriculum as a whole
- The Religious Education Curriculum
- The Wellbeing Curriculum
- Circle Time
- Assemblies
- Behaviour policy
- Structured and personalised reward systems
- Extra-curricular activities
- Educational visits
- Pupil Voice (Student Council)
- Special days (fundraising, International week etc.)
