SMSC and British Values

Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education Incorporating British Values

The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education helps children develop personal qualities, which are valued in a civilised society; for example, thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for difference, moral principles, independence, and self-respect. 

 At Calder Primary School these values are embedded in our broad and balanced curriculum and our school ethos and values. 

Spiritual: Beliefs, religious or otherwise, which inform children’ perspective on life and their interest in, and respect of, different people’s feelings and values. A sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, including the intangible. Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and willingness to reflect on their experiences.

Moral:  Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and children’s readiness to apply this understanding in their own lives. Understanding of the consequences of their actions. Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues.

Social:  Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with children from different religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Willingness to participate in a variety of social settings, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively. Interest in, and understanding of, the way communities and societies function at a variety of levels.

Cultural:  Understanding and having an appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage. Willingness to participate in, and respond to, for example, artistic, musical, sporting, mathematical, technological, scientific and cultural opportunities. Interest in exploring, understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in the local, national and global communities.

Democracy 

Democracy is embedded at our school.  Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils have the opportunity for debate and discussion in daily assemblies, across the curriculum and in focus group meetings such as school council or librarians. 

Each year group elects a member of our school council each year (1 per year in KS1 and 2 per year in KS2). The school council meet regularly with Mrs Lambert and give the views and suggestions of their class on subjects such as road safety and improving the learning environment. The school council are also part of the Calder Learning Trust Student Council who meet each half term to discuss issues affecting both phases and how they can support curriculum development as well as fundraising initiatives for house charities. The school council also meet with Hebden Royd Town Council each year, usually once a term, and feedback ideas for how to develop our area as part of the local plan. 

Each summer every member of school has an equal vote in choosing the pupil to receive the award for 'ambassador for school' at our awards assembly, demonstrating democracy in action.

Pupils are invited to share their views via their school council representatives and also in our annual pupil questionnaire; with the results of this and actions moving forward shared into assemblies and built into our School Development Plan. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced.  Our school has ‘Golden Rules’, which are  embedded across school for everybody, every day. We hold an achievement assembly each Friday (with parents and carers when we are able to with COVID) where we celebrate achievements across the curriculum and recognise pupils who have been following our golden rules such as respecting all pupils or trying their best with their work. 

Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. We follow the PSHE Association Scheme of Work from KS1-4 which includes the theme 'living in the wider world' which covers this. 

We have visits from local councillors, the police and the fire brigade to reinforce key messages and our Year 3/4 pupils receive training in being Junior Wardens. This is also embedded in our PSHE Long Term Plan with education sessions on drugs and alcohol for Year 5/6 with Branching Out. 

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely such as through e-safety sessions, PSHE and assemblies. 

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values of our school and is part of our Golden Rules for everybody everyday. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small, and this is reinforced through PSHE lessons, assemblies and celebration of Golden Rules. We hold anti-bullying week every year, which we begin with 'odd socks day' which celebrates that everybody is unique and equally valued. 

Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs 

Our core value of respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs. Calder Primary School follows the Calderdale Agreed Syllabus for RE which develops pupils knowledge and understanding of religions and world views; allows them to express ideas and insights about questions of belief and meaning and gives the opportunity to investigate and respond to important questions for individuals and the wider community. We also enhance pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through PSHE themes; visits to other schools and events in different settings to ours; welcoming visitors to school and enjoying a depth of study through museum visits and visits to religious buildings.