St John's CE Academy

SMSC

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.

Curriculum Intent

Through the delivery of our curriculum, we want our children to be ready for life beyond St John's Church of England Academy.

We aspire for them to be:

Articulate

Aspirational

Curious

Appreciative

Promoting SMSC and British Values

At St Johns Church of England Academy the teaching of SMSC and 'British Values' is embedded in our curriculum as well as our school ethos.

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils is actively promoted within and beyond the curriculum. Children learn to respect others with different beliefs, faiths or cultural background and have opportunities to share and develop ideas about their own belief system and values through worship, and through the curriculum, particularly through Religious Education, Philosophy for Children and Personal, Social, Health Education.

The School prides itself on its inclusive ethos driven by our Christian vision which is rooted in the Parable of The Mustard Seed - Mark 4 : 30 - 32

Children are encouraged to approach their learning through building on our Christian Values and curriculum drivers.

Worships are planned throughout the week which provides an opportunity for children to reflect on spiritual, moral, social or cultural issues presented through stories, music, poetry, drama etc.

Celebration Worship on a Friday is a special end to the week and every term we hold a Shining Star Worship. These celebrate the contribution individuals have made to the School and wider community living out St John's Church of England Vision and Values.

Spiritual development: children explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral development: children learn to recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social development: children investigate moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.

Cultural development: children learn to appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Promoting British Values

All schools have a responsibility to promote the 'Fundamental British Values' of:

Democracy
Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

Democracy

We have a School Council with members from across the school. Pupil voting takes place using ballot boxes to democratically elect the new pupil councillors. The School Council meets regularly throughout the year

and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions regarding developing the school and what they can to support the local community and charities.

The Rule of Law

Children are introduced to our Christian Values as soon as they start school. They are taught the importance of, and reasons behind our Christian Values, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the values are not kept.

Each class agrees its own class rules at the beginning of the academic year and everyone is expected to follow our code of conduct and behaviour.

Children are acknowledged for living out our Christian Values in our weekly Celebration Worship.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is a key part of the way we want children to learn and of the schools Christian Vision, which children learn about through Worship and PSHE work. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. We look at Online safety as a key part of the Computing curriculum and the importance of making safe choices when online.

Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our Christian Values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. We work with other schools in our Multi Academy Trust and our locality, and work collaboration with the local Church and neighbourhood which develops their respect for others in the wider community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through Worship, RE lessons and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. We are part of The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust and have a strong link with the Mid-Wyedean Churches; Rev. S. Bick and the Local Ministry Team who regularly lead Worship for us.

Sponsored Walk

Thank you for your support in raising £850 towards our Spiritual Garden.