Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Through following the school’s BRIDGE values the aim of SMSC education at Portfields Primary School is to contribute to the development of confident, resilient and well-rounded children who will go onto become adults who, in a world beyond school, can aspire to compete equally with their peers. We recognise that all children need to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally in order to make sense of their world. Our curriculum helps children develop an informed and balanced view of world events, beliefs and the values of others.

We aim to achieve this in the following ways:

Spiritual

The quest for individual identity and the search for meaning and purpose in our existence leads towards the understanding of ourselves and others. It has to do with feelings, emotions, attitudes and beliefs. It is not linked to a particular doctrine or faith so spiritual development is therefore accessible to everyone.

Moral

At Portfields Primary School, children are encouraged to understand the need for a common code and to follow it from conviction rather than because of sanctions or consequences.  In this way, they can work towards their own understanding of what is right and wrong. The school’s behaviour policy outlines the expectations and sanctions of children’s behaviour.

Social

This enables children to become conscientious participants in their family, class, school and the local as well as the wider community. Within this, there should be a balance of the positive, satisfying elements of belonging to a group or society along with the demands, obligations and cooperation required by such membership.

Cultural development

At the heart of cultural development lies the necessity to develop a sense of personal identity, whilst at the same time acquiring awareness, understanding and tolerance regarding the cultural traditions and beliefs of others.

This process is central to a child’s education, as values and attitudes formed in early life are likely to have a strong influence on the adult person’s role as a citizen. These may change over time, but are likely to be the most enduring.

As a school, we have a duty to provide a positive influence whilst at the same time allowing children freedom of expression and the ability to reach decisions for themselves. The example set by adults in the school and the quality of relationships is of particular importance in promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Children encounter SMSC and British values in every aspect of school life, as it is included in their lessons, assemblies, and whole school initiatives like charity days, visiting speakers, presentations and through extra-curricular activities. In this way they build up their cultural capital, widening and deepening their understanding of other cultures and creeds.