SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) is a fundamental part of all learning that takes place at St George’s school. During the school day it is embedded into all lessons and is also promoted at playtime, lunchtime, breakfast club and after school clubs. SMSC focuses on the development of the whole child and embodies our Catholic ethos in which the children can grow and develop to their full potential. The information below provides some extra information on SMSC.

What is Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education?

The Spiritual Development of children is shown by their:

 · ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, and perspective on life

· Knowledge of, 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.

· willingness to reflect on their experiences.                     

The Moral Development of children is shown by their:

· ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, and to recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England

· understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions               

· interest in investigating, and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

The Social Development of children is shown by their:

· use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

· willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively

· acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British Values (see our British Values Statement) of democracy, the rule of law, respect and tolerance of those with differing faiths and beliefs. They will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

The Cultural Development of children is shown by their:

· understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.

· understanding and appreciation of the  range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain

· ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities

· 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 to, for example, artisitic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities.

SMSC in the Curriculum

In planning for our pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, we recognise that we need to provide as many opportunities as possible for our pupils to engage with culturally rich and diverse experiences. Opportunities to develop SMSC form both part of the formal and informal curriculum, through cross-curricular activities, teaching in RE and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Education).