Joydens Wood Junior School
What is SMSC? Scroll down to see SMSC at Joydens Wood Junior School
SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must show how well their children develop in SMSC. SMSC is not a separate subject; it is integral to our Vision, Mission and Ethos. As such it is woven in to everything we do and it is lived through our daily experiences and interactions with each other. Some examples where SMSC can be found throughout the curriculum are identified below though it should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list; merely a ‘flavour’.
Spiritual - In RE and PSHE we ensure a broad balanced curriculum to include a range of world faiths and encourage children to be reflective about their own beliefs and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values. The delivery of the curriculum creates a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them, encouraging the use of imagination and creativity in their learning and developing a willingness to reflect on their experiences.
Moral - In the daily life of our school we develop children’s ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and an understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions, this is the rationale behind our behaviour policy. We try to cultivate enquiring minds and ignite an interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
Social - Our school has children from many races, faiths, religions and from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. Our children work and socialise happily with each other. Our children participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including volunteering and running clubs/competitions are common place at JWJS. Children cooperate well with others and we encourage ‘buddies’ so our children are developing their ability to help each other. Children therefore develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Cultural - Through the taught curriculum of PSHE and RE children are exposed to the notion of the range of different cultures within school and further afield and respect for different faiths and cultural diversity. We develop children’s knowledge of Britain's democratic parliamentary system through PSHE, the election process of our Parliament. Children show a willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities in our own school such as our curriculum days and attending events with other primary schools in our district.
As such it is woven in to everything we do and it is lived through our daily experiences and interactions with each other. Some examples where SMSC can be found throughout the curriculum are identified below though it should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list; merely a ‘flavour’.