At Blowers Green Primary School, SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development) is a central and embedded aspect of school life, underpinning our inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum and commitment to developing the whole child. SMSC is not taught as a discrete subject; instead, it is woven through all aspects of learning, behaviour, relationships and enrichment.
Our rich, knowledge-led curriculum, alongside our adapted Jigsaw PSHE programme, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities and wider experiences, ensures that pupils develop the values, knowledge and character needed to thrive as responsible, respectful and active citizens in modern Britain.
Our Approach to SMSC
Through our SMSC provision, we aim to:
· Enable pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and confidence
· Support pupils to distinguish right from wrong and understand the importance of the law in England
· Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and contribute positively to their community
· Promote respect, kindness and empathy towards others
· Foster tolerance, harmony and appreciation of cultural diversity, reflecting our richly diverse school community
· Encourage pupils to engage in democratic processes, for example through the Junior Leadership Team, prefect roles and school voice activities.
SMSC Through the Curriculum
SMSC is carefully planned and embedded across the curriculum through:
· Our adapted Jigsaw PSHE and RHE curriculum, which is sequenced, contextualised and responsive to pupils’ needs and backgrounds
· A strong RE curriculum, validated externally, which develops pupils’ understanding of world faiths and beliefs
· Voice 21 oracy work, promoting respectful discussion, debate and reflection
· A knowledge-rich EXCEL curriculum, ensuring pupils understand their place in the world and develop cultural awareness
Pupils are supported to:
· Explore and reflect on their own values and beliefs
· Develop spiritual awareness and emotional literacy
· Build high standards of personal behaviour
· Work collaboratively and develop strong social skills
SMSC is carefully planned and embedded across the curriculum through:
· Our adapted Jigsaw PSHE and RHE curriculum, which is sequenced, contextualised and responsive to pupils’ needs and backgrounds
· A strong RE curriculum, validated externally, which develops pupils’ understanding of world faiths and beliefs
· Voice 21 oracy work, promoting respectful discussion, debate and reflection
· A knowledge-rich EXCEL curriculum, ensuring pupils understand their place in the world and develop cultural awareness
Pupils are supported to:
· Explore and reflect on their own values and beliefs
· Develop spiritual awareness and emotional literacy
· Build high standards of personal behaviour
· Work collaboratively and develop strong social skills
Wider Opportunities for SMSC Development
We provide extensive opportunities beyond the classroom to develop SMSC through:
· Assemblies and collective worship, exploring values, equality and diversity
· Pupil leadership roles (Prefects, Junior Leadership Team, Eco group, Safety Officers), promoting responsibility and citizenship
· Celebration events such as cultural fayres, Eid, Diwali and International Days, reflecting the diversity of our community
· Praise assemblies and recognition systems to celebrate achievement and character
· Educational visits, visitors and residential experiences, broadening horizons and cultural understanding
Links with the Wider Community
SMSC development is strengthened through strong community links, including:
· Visits to places of worship and engagement with different faith communities
· Partnerships with local services (police, fire service, health services) supporting safety and citizenship education
· Charity work and community projects, including Junior Leadership Team initiatives such as litter picking and supporting local causes
· Participation in local and national events (e.g. Young Voices, sporting events, performances)
· Strong transition links with secondary schools, ensuring pupils are well prepared for the next stage
Impact of SMSC at Blowers Green
As a result of our strong SMSC provision:
· Pupils are confident, articulate and respectful
· They demonstrate high levels of empathy, tolerance and understanding
· Behaviour is consistently positive, with pupils showing pride in their school
· Pupils actively engage in leadership, community and democratic processes
· All pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND learners, are well prepared for life in modern Britain
