Enjoy | Aim High | Achieve
Telephone: 0161 773 9554
Telephone: 0161 773 9554

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC)

At Heaton Park Primary School we are committed to treating everyone as an individual. We show care and respect, enabling every child to feel unique and valued, so that they develop as citizens equipped with the skills, values and attitudes that they will need for life in modern day Britain.

As a school we ensure that every individual is given the support they need to achieve their full potential. We encourage them to aim high and enjoy learning in a friendly, caring, tolerant, inclusive and fun environment.

At Heaton Park we aim to fulfill every child’s full potential by providing a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, which supports pupil’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC).

SMSC is at the heart of everything we do.

All National Curriculum subjects provide opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Explicit opportunities to promote pupils’ development in these areas are provided in religious education and the non-statutory framework for personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship. A significant contribution is also made by the school ethos, effective relationships throughout the school, assemblies and other curriculum activities, such as Forest Schools and Heaton Park University.

Social, moral, spiritual and cultural education (SMSC) is crucial to the development of all our children and is integrated into the curriculum from Early Years up to Year 6.

Spiritual Development

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 wellbeing. Moments for reflection are essential.

Moral Development

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. Opportunities for discussion and debate are essential.

Social Development

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.

Cultural Development

Pupils’ cultural development involves pupils acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and ability to appreciate and respond positively 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. Respect underpins this development.

Promoting Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship

The guidelines for PSHE and citizenship are designed to help schools establish coherence and consistency, and to promote curriculum continuity and progression in pupils’ learning.

PDP: Personal Development Programme

Our Personal Development Programme allows us to develop the phyiscal, emotional and social health resilience of our children. This encourages and allows individuals to thrive, achieve and grow. The PDP ensures that all aspects of PSHE and Citizenship are covered throughout school through age appropriate lessons and by addressing a range of topics, for example: anti bullying, managing risk, sex education, drug misuse, managing money and dealing with emotions. The programme also provides opportunities to develop SMSC and British Values.

The PDP is split into four units of work: Myself and My Relationships; Healthy and Safer Lifestyles; Economic Well Being and Citizenship.