What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. SMSC is essential for children and young people’s individual development, preparing them to live full, active lives as part of their community and into adulthood, as well as contributing to the development of society as a whole. 

Spiritual development is about the development of a sense of identity, self-worth, personal insight, meaning and purpose. It is about the development of a pupil’s ‘spirit’, ‘personality’ and ‘character’.

Moral development is about gaining an understanding of what is right and wrong and developing moral values, which regulate personal behaviour. It is also about developing the children’s understanding that different people hold different views on subjects and this is acceptable. Moral development also helps to equip children with the skills to be able to articulate their own opinions.

Social development is about young people working effectively with each other and participating successfully in the community as a whole. It is about the development of the skills and personal qualities necessary for living and working together in a multi-racial, multicultural society. This includes developing an understanding of society’s institutions and children’s roles as citizens of the UK and the world. 

Cultural development is about pupils gaining an understanding of their own and other cultures. It is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures and being able to operate in the world made up of these different religions and beliefs. This also includes experiences provided by television, travel and the internet. It is about understanding that cultures are always changing and about coping with change. Promoting children’s cultural development is intimately linked with the academy’s attempts to value diversity and help to prevent incidents involving racism and bullying.

(With references from HMI 2125- 2004)

How do we promote SMSC?

At Waddington Redwood, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve.  We therefore aim to provide an education that gives children opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.  

This is embedded throughout all aspects of life at our academy.

We aim to ensure children’s education is holistic rather than focused narrowly on purely academic aspects of learning, providing pupils with a rounded education, including learning how to work and play together, understanding and respecting others’ points of view, respecting and applying rules and understanding why these exist. 

We aim to prepare pupils to contribute to society and culture throughout their lives, and enable them to participate actively and positively in the life of the academy, their local community and wider society.  We encourage pupils to value themselves and their unique contributions to their own and others’ lives, and in turn to value and celebrate others and their qualities and abilities.