SMSC

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. At the Whinless Down Academy, the teaching of SMSC is part of our school ethos, 'Learning to Dream, Learning to Believe, Able to Succeed' and is taught in assemblies, across the curriculum and throughout the school day.

Spiritual development: children explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; are positive about developing their understanding of themselves, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral development: children learn to recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views and take responsibility for their actions.

Social development: children investigate moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer, cooperate and collaborate; resolve conflict; engage with the 'British Values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.

Cultural development: children learn to appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, determined to stamp out discrimination of any kind.

British Values

It is ours, and every school’s responsibility “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.”

At St Martin's we promote these values, alongside our school values in the following ways:

Democracy

We have a clear Behaviour Policy and school rules which are based on our school values.  Children and staff actively engage with each other to create harmonious learning environments in our school where everyone is responsible for upholding our values.  Our assembles and talk times are also led by our values.

St Martin's has a School Council to which members are voted in each year by their peers. Children write a statement to support their proposal to be their class representative and the children decide who will best represent them. Children understand that a place on the School Council comes with the responsibility of representing their peers’ needs and interests.

Democracy is also taught during assemblies and talk times, and children regularly get opportunities to express their views in school through Pupil Voice interviews and questionnaires. 

The Rule of Law

Behaviour and safety at St Martin's are an absolute priority by the entire school community. Children know what is expected of them, why rules are important.  

At St Martin's children develop a thorough understanding of personal responsibility and develop independence in managing relationships and behaviour. Through our whole school approach to restorative justice, we enable children to develop the language and strategies to solve conflict and right wrongs.

Children also understand that their behaviour and regard for the rules extends beyond the school itself, such as acting as school representatives while on school trips. 

Individual Liberty

St Martin's is a safe place for children and cultivates an atmosphere in which children can make choices about their school life in a supportive environment.

Mutual Respect

The ethos of our school nurtures an understanding of mutual respect and it underpins the engaging and exciting teaching and learning that happens here. School life at St Martin's is led by our values that nurture respect, courage, responsibility, motivation and happiness. The children and all staff connected to our school understand our values. 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. We regularly hold whole-school assemblies to celebrate and learn about the numerous religious festivals that happen throughout the school year. Our values ensure children develop respect for each other; developing strong and lasting relationships that enable our school community to be strong and cohesive.