Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC)

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is central to the personal development and growth of our pupils as people.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual Development is about expanding your experience of self and life – learning about whom you are and your connection to God. Teaching children that they are connected to God, and that He loves us no matter what, is fundamental to our faith and enables children to recognise that we are all God’s children and as such have been created as loving beings.

• Daily collective worship 
• Supporting charities 
• Celebration assemblies
• Other world faith weeks
• Partnership with local Jewish School
• Visitors in to school e.g. local priest, Local Rabbi
• Religious visitors (parish priest, Rabbi, Methodist Church etc.)
• Performing in music festivals/show
• Entering art competitions
• Self assessment
• Faith Council 
• Mini Vinnies

Moral Development

Morality is about our ability to learn the difference between right and wrong and understand how to make the right choices. Children’s experiences at home, the environment around them and their physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills influence their moral development. As a Catholic school we aim to focus on the dignity and worth of each person and a vision of a just, social world.

• Whole School positive behaviour policy
• Class Rules agreed and displayed 
• House points/ house winners reward 
• Rights Respecting School - Silver Award
• Democratically elected pupil councils
• PSHE lessons 
• Restorative Ambassadors
• E-safety lessons/assemblies 
• Visiting speakers - Lady Grenfell-Baines (Kindertransport survivor)

Social Development

Catholic education also promotes the development of critical skills and the integration of social issues into the learning process. To this end, learning includes a moral and ethical framework from which to discuss current social concerns such as world hunger, the interconnection between issues of justice and peace and the call to ministry in Jesus' name.

• Student Leadership e.g. Faith Leaders, Restorative Ambassadors, Rights Respecting Councillors
• School productions
• Before, during and after school clubs
• Play Leaders
• Local visits 
• Book sharing events
• Open days 
• Evenings for parents
• Sports Days
• Pupil Councils

Cultural Development

Catholic education promotes an appreciation of the value and richness of a child’s own culture and that of the cultural diversity in Britain and beyond. It calls for an awareness that cultures, different from one's own, have their own special qualities and that the people of these cultures need to be met and understood as they are, not stereotyped.

• Sporting competitions through SHAPES local sports alliance
• Class trips 
• Assemblies
• Other world faith weeks
• RE lessons
• Music and Art, in lessons, from other cultures
• Performing in music festivals/show
• Entering art competitions
• School music lessons - Every Child in every year group plays an instrument
• Time to Shine Parallel Curriculum
• Other faith visitors 
• Dance workshops
• Visiting theatre groups
• Visiting musicians

How is SMSC taught at Cheadle Catholic Junior School?

The Contribution of Religious Education

• Children learn about beliefs, values and the concept of spirituality.
• RE reflects on the significance of religious teaching in their own lives.
• Develops respect for the right of others to hold beliefs different from their own.
• Shows an understanding of the influence of religion on society.
• Fosters appreciation and understanding of different cultures, religions and traditions.
• Collective worship allows time for personal reflection and prayer.

The Contribution of English

• Developing confidence and expertise in language, which is an important aspect of individual and social identity.
• Enabling children to understand and engage with the feelings and values embodied in high quality poetry, fiction, drama, film and television.
• Developing children’s awareness of moral and social issues in fiction, journalism, magazines, radio, television and film.
• Helping children to understand how language changes over time, the influences on spoken and written language and social attitudes to the use of language.
• Using lesson activities such as discussion and conscience alley to explore dilemmas and moral stories.

The Contribution of Mathematics

• Helping children to recognise how logical reasoning can be used to consider the consequences of particular decisions and choices and helping them learn the value of mathematical truth.
• Encouraging children to work together productively on complex mathematical tasks and helping them see that the result is often better than any of them could achieve separately.

The Contribution of Science

• Encouraging children to reflect on the wonder of the natural world.
• Awareness of the ways that Science and Technology can affect society and the environment.
• Consideration of the moral dilemmas that can result in scientific developments.
• Co-operation in practical activity.
• Raising awareness that scientific developments are the product of many.
• Showing respect for different opinions.

The Contribution of Computing

• Preparing the children for the challenges of living and learning in a technologically enriched, increasingly interconnected world.
• Making clear the guidelines about the ethical use of the internet and how we keep ourselves and others safe.
• Acknowledging advances in technology and appreciation for human achievement.

The Contribution of History

• Looking at the creation and evolution of British society.
• Enabling children to reflect on issues such as war, conquest, invasion, slavery etc.
• Showing an awareness of the moral implications of the actions of historical figures.

The Contribution of Geography

• Opportunities for reflection on the creation of earth and its’ origins, future and diversity.
• Reflection on the fair distribution of the earth’s resources and issues surrounding climate change.
• Study of people and physical geography gives our children the chance to reflect on the social and cultural characteristics of society.

The Contribution of Modern Foreign Languages

• Gaining insights into the way of life, cultural traditions, moral and social developments of other people.
• Social skills are developed through group activities and communication exercises.
• Listening skills are improved through oral work.

The Contribution of Art

• Art lessons develop children’s aesthetic appreciation.
• Art evokes feelings of 'awe' and 'wonder'.
• Giving children the chance to reflect on nature, their environment and surroundings.

The Contribution of Design and Technology

• Reflecting on products and inventions, the diversity of materials and ways in which design can improve the quality of our lives.
• Awareness of the moral dilemmas created by technological advances.
• How different cultures have contributed to technology.
• Opportunities to work as a team, recognising others strengths, sharing equipment.

The Contribution of Music

• Teaching that encourages children to be open to the music of other cultures.
• Discussing and reflecting upon a range of personal experiences (own performance) and observed experiences (trips, concerts and peer performances).
• Looking at the way music can change moods and behaviour.
• Offering a range of high quality off-timetable music enrichment activities.
• Listening to music together and celebrating.

The Contribution of Physical Education

• Activities involving co-operation, teamwork, competition, rules, self-discipline and fair play.
• Exploring the sports and traditions of a variety of cultures.
• Individual activities that provide the opportunity for self-reflection, awareness and challenge.