Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At Woodlands Infant School, we want every child to develop the knowledge, confidence, values and attitudes they need to become thoughtful, responsible and caring members of their community.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) is an important part of life at Woodlands. It is not taught as a single subject. Instead, opportunities for SMSC development are woven throughout our curriculum, our Jigsaw PSHE/RSHE programme, assemblies, relationships, enrichment opportunities and the wider life of the school.

Our school values of Belief, Respect, Independence, Curiosity, Creativity and Kindness, together with our Pocket Principles – Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Kind and Be Ready to Learn – help children understand how we expect everyone in our school community to treat themselves and others.

Our aim is for every child to “Be the Best Me I Can Be.”

Spiritual Development

We support children to develop a sense of themselves, their feelings, beliefs and place in the world.

Children are given opportunities to:

• explore their own thoughts, feelings and experiences

• develop curiosity and ask questions about the world around them

• experience moments of awe, wonder and reflection

• use imagination and creativity in their learning

• learn about different faiths, beliefs and ways of seeing the world

• reflect on what is important to themselves and others.

These opportunities arise across the curriculum, particularly through RE, Jigsaw PSHE/RSHE, English, art, music, history, geography and our exploration of the natural world.

Moral Development

We help children develop an understanding of right and wrong and recognise that the choices we make can affect other people.

Children learn to:

• understand and follow agreed rules and expectations

• think about the consequences of their actions

• recognise fairness and unfairness

• consider different viewpoints

• show kindness, empathy and respect

• take responsibility for their choices

• begin to consider moral questions and dilemmas at an age-appropriate level.

Our Jigsaw PSHE/RSHE programme provides regular opportunities for children to explore relationships, choices, emotions, respect, responsibility and how their behaviour affects others.

Our restorative approach also encourages children to think about what has happened, how others may have been affected and how relationships can be repaired.

Social Development

We provide children with many opportunities to learn how to live, learn and work successfully alongside others.

Children learn to:

• cooperate and work as part of a team

• listen to and value the ideas of others

• develop positive relationships

• resolve disagreements appropriately

• take responsibility within our school community

• contribute to decisions that affect them

• understand that people may have different experiences, needs and viewpoints.

Jigsaw PSHE/RSHE supports children to develop these skills systematically, while opportunities such as School Council, Wellbeing Champions, Playground Buddies, clubs, enrichment activities, visits and community events allow children to put them into practice.

Cultural Development

We want children to appreciate their own culture while developing knowledge, interest and respect for the cultures, traditions and experiences of others.

Through our curriculum and wider school life, children have opportunities to:

• learn about different cultures, faiths and traditions

• explore significant people, places and events

• experience a range of art, music, literature and traditions

• celebrate the diversity within our school and wider community

• recognise similarities and differences between people

• challenge stereotypes and prejudice

• understand that modern Britain is made up of people from many different backgrounds.

We carefully choose books, resources, curriculum content, visitors and experiences so that children encounter a rich and diverse range of people, cultures and perspectives.

SMSC Across Our Curriculum

SMSC development is embedded throughout our curriculum rather than being an additional programme.

For example:

• English supports children to explore characters' choices, feelings, relationships and experiences.

• History encourages children to consider how people lived in the past, change, fairness and different perspectives.

• Geography develops understanding of communities, cultures, environments and our responsibility towards the world.

• RE supports children to explore faith, belief, values and traditions.

• Jigsaw PSHE/RSHE develops children's understanding of relationships, emotions, respect, difference, belonging and responsibility.

• Science encourages curiosity, wonder and care for the natural world.

• Art and Music provide opportunities for creativity, self-expression and appreciation of different cultures and traditions.

• PE develops teamwork, fairness, resilience and respect.

Subject leaders consider opportunities for SMSC development when planning and reviewing their curriculum.

British Values

The promotion of fundamental British Values is an important part of our wider SMSC provision.  Children learn about:

You can find out more on our British Values page.

Beyond the Classroom

Children's personal development is strengthened through the wider opportunities available at Woodlands, including assemblies, educational visits, visitors, community links, charitable activities, clubs, enrichment opportunities and positions of responsibility.

We want children to leave Woodlands as curious, kind and confident young people who respect others, recognise their responsibilities and are ready to play a positive part in the wider world.