Here at Alvaston Juniors, we take a thoughtful and reflective approach to promote a wide-range of opportunities in Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. We believe that by using these values to underpin learning, it will equip them to be thoughtful, caring and active citizens in school and in wider society.
What is SMSC?
All National Curriculum subjects provide opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. SMSC development is crucial for individual pupils and for society as a whole. It as the heart of what education is about – helping pupils grow and develop as people. At AJCS, we provide opportunities for SMSC development across the whole curriculum and throughout the year groups. There are also opportunities for explicit learning through our RE studies, British Values, PSHCE and themed assemblies.
Pupils’ spiritual development involves the growth of their sense of self, their unique potential, their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and their will to achieve. As their curiosity about themselves and their place in the world increases, they try to answer for themselves some of life’s fundamental questions. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to foster their own inner lives and non-material well-being.
Pupils’ moral development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of the difference between right and wrong and of moral conflict, a concern for others and the will to do what is right. They are able and willing to reflect on the consequences of their actions and learn how to forgive themselves and others. They develop the knowledge, skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.
Pupils’ social development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of the responsibilities and rights of being members of families and communities (local, national and global), and an ability to relate to others and to work with others for the common good. They display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingness to participate. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to make an active contribution to the democratic process in each of their communities.
Pupils’ cultural development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and ability to appreciate and respond to a variety of aesthetic experiences. They acquire a respect for their own culture and that of others, an interest in others’ ways of doing things and curiosity about differences. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.