SMSC Policy
Presdales incorporates many aspects of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) into its curriculum and lesson planning.
It is understood that some lessons are more suitable than others for making natural links to SMSC but we want to ensure that good opportunities are not missed.
In a general sense, many aspects of SMSC are covered in assemblies, trips, charity fundraising, social and cultural events eg art displays/exhibitions, dance evenings, school productions, concerts as well as teamwork in a range of activities.
Individual departments might incorporate SMSC in the following ways:
- Creating a sense of wonder
- Creating a sense of fulfilment
- Creating time for reflection and contemplation
- Asking questions about existence and purpose
Our curriculum aims to be broad, balanced, flexible, relevant, inclusive and well planned to include aspects of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural issues. To do this we should:
- develop in students a curiosity for knowledge.
- build a range of independent learning skills and develop enquiring minds.
- foster a sense of personal identity and self worth.
- create a climate that stimulates excitement about learning.
- inform students about expert practitioners from around the world.
- work hard to contextualise learning.
- recognise that the most effective learning is collaborative and social.
- work towards building community – locally, nationally and internationally in order to develop active citizens of the world.
- foster a life long love of learning and equip learners to cope with the rapidly changing needs of the technological world in which we live.
Ultimately, all these strands combine to give each individual the best life chances and allow them to make choices about their contribution to our community, because these are the ingredients for a happy and successful life. This is most effectively achieved through a blend of traditional expectations and creative learning approaches; where learning is planned but space is left for unexpected and emerging ideas.
Across the whole school community, each year group, in their forms, complete an activity (preparted by departments) which investigates one or more of the SMSC themes. These activities form part of a planned SMSC programme.