At  Wavendon Gate  School,  we  recognise  that  the  development  of  pupils,  spiritually,  morally,  socially  and culturally plays a significant part not only in their ability to learn and achieve but in their ability to relate fully to and have the ability to access the world they live in.   We, therefore, aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values, whilst recognising that those of others may differ. Beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour including 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 are all critical skills and aspects that we nurture, encourage and develop through our curriculum.

All curriculum areas have a contribution to a child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this are planned in each area of the curriculum. Belief values, principles and spirituality are explored across the curriculum. The integrity and spirituality of faith backgrounds are respected and explored. The diversity of spiritual traditions is recognised, and pupils are given access to alternative views.

All adults model and promote socially responsible behaviour, treating all people as valuable individuals and showing respect and care for our pupils and their families. Children learn to differentiate between right and wrong in their actions and how their actions affect others. They are encouraged to value themselves and others.

General aims:

We aim to ensure:

• That everyone connected within the school is aware of our values and principles.
• A consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC issues through the curriculum and the general life of the school.
• That a child’s education is set within the context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age and ability.
• That children have a good understanding of their responsibilities and how to exercise them.

Through classroom activities and dialogue in the wider curriculum we give the children opportunities to:

• Share their achievements and successes with others.
• Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
• Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
• Speak about difficult events, e.g. bullying, death etc.
• Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
• Consider the needs and behaviour of others.
• Show empathy.
• Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
• Develop a sense of belonging.
• Develop the skills and attitudes that enable children to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally e.g. empathy, respect, open-mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness etc.

Practical activities to develop SMSC include:

• Working together in different groupings and situations.
• Encouraging the children to behave appropriately at meal times.

• Taking responsibility e.g. class monitors, register monitors, assembly monitors, cloakroom monitors, delivering messages and looking after younger children.
• Encouraging teamwork in all group activities.
• Showing appreciation of the performances of other children regardless of ability.
• Meeting people from different cultures and countries.
• Participation in a variety of different educational visits.
• Participation in live performances.

• Use of assembly themes to explore important aspects of our heritage and other cultures e.g. festival days, the patron saints and national celebrations.
• Studying the ‘Arts’ from different cultures supported by visits from writers and artists and participating in workshops.
• Opportunities for the children to hear and see live performances by professional authors, actors, dancers and musicians.
• Opportunities to make and evaluate food from other countries.
• Studying the contributions to society that certain famous, historical and influential people have made.
• Use of assembly themes to explore personal values e.g. respect, kindness, diversity.

Links with the wider community:

• Visitors are welcomed into our school.
• The school supports the work of a variety of charities, e.g. Willen Hospice, Children in Need, Comic Relief.
• The development of strong home-school communication links is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the children.
• Children are taught to appreciate and take responsibility for the school environment and their local environment.
• Liaison with local secondary schools to support the primary curriculum e.g. modern foreign languages, PE and games.

Monitoring and evaluation

Provision for SMSC is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.  This achieved by:

• Monitoring of teaching and learning and work scrutiny by SLT / DHT/ head teacher/ governors
• Regular discussions at staff and governors’ meetings.
• Audit of policies and units of study including the school’s approach to SMSC.
• Half termly audits of SMSC provision in the school – carried out by every teaching team across the school.