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) and British Values.
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.
SCARF Programme
Our SCARF 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. SCARF 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, relationship and sex education, drug misuse, managing money and dealing with emotions. The programme also provides opportunities to develop SMSC and British Values.
SCARF is split into six units of work: Me and My Relationships, Valuing Difference, Keeping Safe, Rights and Respect, Being My Best, Growing and Changing.
- Read more about our SMSC provision
British Values
The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
At Heaton Park we teach and reinforce these values as part of our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development which underpins and informs our curriculum. We believe in preparing our children positively for life in Britain.
Democracy
Children will take part in votes for school council members and a head boy and head girl in Year 6. The school council will meet on a regular basis to discuss issues that may arise in class circles and to discuss areas for school improvement. Members of the school council will be voted for by their peers and years 1-6 will have 2 representatives. Children will experience democracy within the classroom and discuss it within the curriculum.
Law
Children are taught why laws are important within school and the wider world. This is reinforced through the whole school Good to be Green positive behaviour strategy. We have visits from the police, MPs etc to give assemblies and raise our children’s awareness of laws and how they protect us and the consequences of not abiding by laws. Children learn about some important laws, such as the UNICEF Rights for Children.
Liberty
Children know they have a right to have their voice heard in a safe, nurturing environment. Circles and PSHE lessons will be at the heart of this, but also children are made aware of their rights to express themselves and they are encouraged to exercise their personal freedoms. We intend to become a Unicef Rights Respecting School by achieving their award this academic year.
Mutual Respect
Children at Heaton Park are taught to respect themselves and others. They learn that their choices affect their own and others rights to learn in a safe and caring environment. All adults and children in school are respectful to one another. They are encouraged to make good choices and use kind words.
Respecting the cultures and beliefs of others
We respect people from all faiths and cultures. Heaton Park is culturally diverse and we celebrate our similarities and our differences and share our beliefs in a respectful way. This is taught through RE, the SCARF scheme of work and across the curriculum. It is also developed in assemblies throughout the year which are planned to cover a range of areas around British Values and Spiritual Moral Social Cultural development. We include a programme of speakers from different faiths to share their knowledge and experience with us.
View our policy here: SMSC & British Values Policy
