SMSC

Spiritual development is the development of the non-material element of a human being which animates and sustains us and depending on our point of view either ends or continues in some form when we die. It is about the development of a sense of identity, self-worth, personal insight, meaning, and purpose. It is about the development of a pupil’s 'spirit'. Some people may call it the development of a pupil's 'soul'; others as the development of 'personality' or 'character'.

Moral development is about the building of a framework of moral values for pupils that regulates their personal behaviour. It is also about the development of pupils’ understanding of society’s shared and agreed values. It is about understanding that there are contentious issues where there is disagreement and it is also about understanding that society’s values change. Moral development is about gaining an understanding of the range of views and the reasons for the range. It is also about developing an opinion about the different views.

Social development is about helping young people to work effectively with each other and to participate successfully in the community as a whole. It is about the development of the skills and personal qualities necessary for living and working together. It is about functioning effectively in a multi-racial, multicultural society. It involves growth in knowledge and understanding of society in all its aspects. This includes understanding people as well as understanding society’s institutions, structures and characteristics, economic and political principles and organisations, roles and responsibilities and life as a citizen, parent or worker in a community. It also involves the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for successful relationships.

Cultural development is about pupils’ understanding their own culture and other cultures in their town, region and in the country as a whole. It is about understanding cultures represented in Europe and elsewhere in the world. It is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures and being able to operate in the emerging world culture of shared experiences provided by television, travel and the Internet. It is about understanding that cultures are always changing and helping pupils understand and cope with change. Promoting pupils’ cultural development is intimately linked with schools’ attempts to value cultural diversity and prevent racism.

The provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a key strength of our school. Fundamental British values are actively promoted through the school’s work on #EveryoneIsWelcome (#NoOutsiders), which develops pupils’ understanding of how the Equality Act relates to and affects them. As a result, pupils understand diversity and are respectful towards others, including those with different beliefs, gender or culture. 

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