SMSC

Our intent is that every child gains a sense of identity and understands that they belong.  They belong to a school community, the community of Dereham and then the wider community of Norfolk, England and beyond.  Every child will gain an understanding and appreciation of British Values and understand the concepts of truth, trust and justice.  Every child understands the importance of forgiveness, expressing their identify, opinions and beliefs while demonstrating respect for opinions or beliefs that differ from their own.  Democracy, respect, the rule of law and justice will be concepts understood and exercised by tolerant, secure children who understand that their voice, their identity, their opinion is valued and respected.  Children will develop an appreciation and love of literature, stories and poems, as well as songs and music, art and dance.

SMSC is an integral part of our curriculum, all areas of our curriculum contribute to SMSC. SMSC values are threaded through our school ethos and daily life through our learning powers and the children’s passports. Enriching experiences that promote fundamental British values are provided throughout the year across all year groups.

The spiritual development of pupils is shown by their:

• ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values,
• sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them,
• use of imagination and creativity in their learning,
• willingness to reflect on their experiences.

The moral development of pupils is shown by their:

• ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, readily apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England,
• understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions,
• Being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others.

The social development of pupils is shown by their:

• use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds,
• willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings by cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively,
• Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

The cultural development of pupils is shown by their:

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others,
• understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain,
• willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities,
• Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity.

Through SMSC children will: 

• Be thoughtful and children that grow into considerate moral adults that are self-reliant and resilient, leading healthy and happy lives.   
• Our children will be happy, as well as encouraging of others in and out of the classroom. 
• Confidence is instilled in the children, so that they are more likely to push themselves outside of their comfort zones.  
• They will learn to be self-motivated, independent and resilient by developing skills that allow them to make mistakes and learn from them – our marvellous mistakes.  
• They will start to understand how society works and the rights and responsibilities involved, becoming healthy, independent and responsible citizens 
• Distinguish right from wrong, accept responsibility for their behaviour, and show initiative.  
• Understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely. 
• Have respect for other people and different cultural traditions.