Farnborough Road Junior School

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At Farnborough Road Junior School, we believe it is essential that our pupils are equipped with the tools they need to support them in growing up in modern British society. As a result of this, we want all pupils that attend our school to have the opportunity to develop a strong set of values and principles, and question and understand what it means to grow up in British society.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that our pupils have the opportunity to learn and reflect on the British values that underpin our lives and to recognise the valuable role that they play as emerging citizens in British society.

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural. All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.

• Spiritual - explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feeling and values; discover oneself and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
• Moral - recognise right and wrong; respect the law, understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
• Social - use a range of social skills in different contexts; appreciate diverse viewpoints, work well with others; resolve conflicts; understand how communities work, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
• Cultural - appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system, participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

At Farnborough Road Junior School, through regular worships, references in RE and other lessons, as well as seizing upon opportunities in other areas of the school children are taught the values of SMSC.

As a school we welcome children from all backgrounds and are proud of how children and their families from other cultures are welcomed by our children and the rest of the school community.

In all teaching the teachers look to inspire the children. Teachers look to develop a love of learning and a working atmosphere where children enjoy learning. Children are given opportunities to take on responsibility around the school: Y6 play leaders, class monitors, gardening projects, eco council, school council and after school clubs.

The school has a clear behaviour policy that sets high expectations and promotes a good moral understanding, mutual respect, tolerance and understanding. Friendship, respect and tolerance are taught as part of our Personal, Social, Health Education program. Through a combination of approaches the school is able to ensure that children develop an understanding of the key British Values: Democracy, Rule of Law, Mutual Respect, Personal Liberty and Tolerance of other faiths and cultures.

By the end of a pupil’s time in Farnborough Junior school, we want our children in SMSC to:

Spiritual development

• ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
• knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
• sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
• use of imagination and creativity in their learning and a willingness to reflect on their experiences.

Moral development

• ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives
• recognise legal boundaries and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England
• understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
• interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

Social development

• use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
• acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs;
• develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

 Cultural development

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
• understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
• ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
• knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
• willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
• interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept and respect diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Annabelle Gibbons

Deputy Head

Jan 2023