What is SMSC?‘Intelligence plus character – that is the true goal of education’ Martin Luther King
SMSC stands for SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL and CULTURAL education. At Brine Leas School we champion and firmly believe in a holistic education, experience and curriculum that ensures that our students are ‘rounded and grounded’. We recognise that spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students plays a significant part in this, and in their ability to learn and achieve in school and in later life. SMSC is also central to their ability to relate fully to, and access the world they live in: to become productive and active citizens. SMSC is addressed through the curriculum in the context of the subject under study, and also in the wider school experience we offer our students.
Linked to the provision of SMSC is the teaching of ‘Britishness’. This includes an emphasis on teaching about British civil and criminal laws and the workings of British democracy such as the British Parliamentary system. It asks students to understand, appreciate, respect and engage with these and the core British values of freedom, respect and tolerance. ‘Britishness’ is also about students’ recognizing their cultural traditions, history and heritage and the diversity and richness of modern British cultural life today.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Spiritual development is about a student developing a sense of identity and self-worth. It is about growing personal insight and experience, exploring the meaning and purpose of life and reflecting on the awe and wonder of our shared human existence. It looks to explore and develop a student’s spirit, soul, personality or character.
It is demonstrated by a student’s:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise
- interest in 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 willingness to reflect on their experiences
MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Moral development is about the development of a framework of moral values. It is also about a student’s understanding of society’s shared and agreed values and ethics. It asks students to understand that there are issues where there is disagreement in society and to understand why. It is also about developing an opinion about these different views and accepting other people’s points of view as valid.
It is demonstrated by a student’s:
- willingness to make a decision and understand the consequences of it, including accepting right and wrong
- understanding and accepting of British law
- willingness to accept and understand ideas and attitudes different to their own
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Social development is about young people working effectively with each other and participating successfully in the community as a whole. It is about the development of the skills and personal qualities necessary for living and working together in a multi-racial, multicultural society. This includes understanding how British society works but also involves the development of interpersonal skills necessary for successful relationships.
It is demonstrated by a student’s:
- use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
- willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including volunteering and charity work
- acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, including respect and tolerance of others in their actions and attitudes
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Cultural development is about students understanding their own culture and other cultures that exist in their town, region, country and global community. It is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures and being able to operate in the emerging and ever-changing world culture of shared experiences provided by new technologies. It is about welcoming and accepting diversity.
It is demonstrated by a student’s:
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
- 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, sporting and cultural opportunities
- interest in exploring, improving understanding of, and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities
