Woodlands School – SMSC Vision Statement

Introduction

SMSC is a broad concept, representing the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education of pupils across all aspects of school life.  It is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum.

OFSTED states that SMSC ‘requires schools to think about the kind of people we aspire to be, the kind of world we aspire to create, and the kind of education we aspire to provide’.  

At Woodlands, SMSC is at the heart of school life, embedded through the curriculum, extra-curricular learning, assemblies and our interactions with each other during the school day.  SMSC plays a significant part in pupils’ happiness, learning and achievement.  At Woodlands, we pride ourselves in providing a school environment that celebrates our entire community and recognizes our differences in a positive way.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AT WOODLANDS SCHOOL

• giving pupils the opportunity to explore values and beliefs, including religious beliefs, and the way in which they impact on peoples’ lives;
• giving pupils the opportunity to understand human feelings and emotions, the way they impact on people and how an understanding of them can be helpful;
• developing a climate or ethos within which everyone can grow and flourish, respect others and be respected;
• accommodating difference and respecting the integrity of individuals;
• encouraging a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them;
• use of imagination and creativity in their learning.

MORAL DEVELOPMENT AT WOODLANDS SCHOOL

• enabling pupils to recognise the difference between right and wrong, using this as a basis for behaviour which is promoted consistently through all aspects of the school;
• helping pupils to understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions;
• developing an open and safe learning environment in which children can express their views and practise moral decision-making;
• promoting positive behaviour, values and expectations;
• modelling, through the quality of relationships and interactions, fairness, integrity, respect for others and resolution of conflict.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AT WOODLANDS SCHOOL

• engaging with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance
• using of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example co-operating, working and socialising with other pupils
• fostering a sense of community, with common, inclusive values;
• providing positive collective experiences – for example, through assemblies, team activities, residential experiences, school productions;
• helping pupils to develop personal qualities which are valued in society, for example, thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for difference, moral principles, independence, inter-dependence and self-respect;
• providing opportunities for engaging in the democratic process and participating in community life e.g. school council;
• helping others through volunteering and raising money for charity;
• providing positive and effective links with the world of work and the wider community.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AT WOODLANDS SCHOOL

• appreciating and exploring the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped our own heritage and that of others
• valuing the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic communities;
• promoting racial, religious and other forms of equality;
• recognising and celebrating the different cultures represented in the school and wider community;
• willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities.