SMSC

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development.

All schools in England must show how well their pupils develop in SMSC.

How did SMSC originate?

SMSC development results from the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child - Articles 1-42 state the rights of every child and Articles 43-54 state how adults and governments should work together to ensure all children get their rights. The UK ratified Convention on the Rights of the Child on 16th December 1991 show where all adults have the responsibility to secure the rights of the child.

Defining Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At St Michael and St John’s children have opportunities to develop spiritually by:

• exploring and developing personal values and beliefs
• exploring the values and beliefs of others
• reflecting on their work and performance
• learning about respect
• developing empathy by understanding feelings and emotions
• appreciating things like beauty, truth and goodness
• using imagination and creativity in learning

At St Michael and St John’s children have opportunites to develop morally by:

• recognising the difference between right and wrong
• applying this understanding in their own lives and in doing so, respecting the civil and criminal law of England
• considering the range of accepted values in society
• developing skills such as decision making and consideration of others
• engaging with moral philosophy and skills of analysis
• understanding the consequences of their actions
• exploring moral and ethical issues

At St Michael and St John’s children have opportunities to develop socially by:

• working in teams or groups co-operatively
• taking part in group and school experiences such as assemblies, residential experiences and school productions
• taking on roles of responsibility and Pupil Leadership Groups
• understanding how groups, communities and societies function at a variety of levels
• developing social skills
• showing respect

At St Michael and St John’s children have opportunities to develop culturally  by:

• exploring and understanding their own culture
• exploring and understanding different cultures to prepare them for life in modern Britain
• developing a knowledge of Britain's democratic parliamentary system (past, present and future)
• participating in artistic, musical and sporting activities