SMSC

The Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of our students has always been at the heart of Queen Mary Infant and Nursery School. Our approach to SMSC is embedded in the curriculum and ethos of our school; an approach that we believe is fundamental to developing life-long learners who a full and positive participation in life in modern Britain.

We develop SMSC in the following way -

Spiritual Development

Moral Development

The school curriculum and wider opportunities enable children to

  • show curiosity, use their imagination and develop creativity.
  • ask questions and reflect on their learning.
  • inspire awe and wonder about the world around them.
  • reflect on their own beliefs, religious or otherwise.
  • discuss feelings and responses to experiences that inform their perspective on life.
  • develop their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.
  • experience moments of stillness and reflection.
  • participate in celebrations and collective worship.
  • visit places of worship.

 

The school curriculum and wider opportunities enable children to recognise the difference between right and wrong and apply this in their own lives.

  • understand of the consequences of their behaviour and actions.
  • investigate, and offer their views about, moral and ethical issues and show consideration for the viewpoints of others.
  • develop respect for the environment and living things.
  • participate in charity events.
  • develop an understanding of democracy.

 

 

Social Development

Cultural Development

The school curriculum and wider opportunities enable children to

  • use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • cooperate well with others and resolve conflicts effectively.
  • participate in class productions.
  • attend after school clubs and enrichment activities in Shine Time. 
  • take part in school trips.
  • develop positive attachments.

 

The school curriculum and wider opportunities enable children to

  • understand and appreciate of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
  • participate in, and respond to, for example, artistic, musical, sporting, mathematical, technological, scientific and cultural opportunities.
  • explore, celebrate and respect cultural diversity.
  • participate in activities related to national and world festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Shrove Tuesday, Harvest, Chinese New Year etc.
  • celebrate important national and World events.

 

British Values

As a school we value and celebrate being part of modern Britain and promote fundamental British values at an age appropriate level.

The Department for Education set out the following values as being fundamentally British.

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Tolerance & Respect

At Queen Mary Avenue Infant and Nursery school we develop these values in the following ways -

Democracy

The Rule of Law
  • Children are involved in class and school decision making.
  • Pupils have regular opportunities to express their views and ideas.
  • We teach the children about public services, voting and elections.
  • Pupils vote for class representatives on the KS1 school council.
  • Pupils and parents are able to voice their opinions through questionnaires

 

 

 

 
  • The school has a clear behaviour policy and staff consistently reinforce our high expectations of children.
  • Visual reminders of our school values and golden rules are evident throughout the school.
  • Children are well supported to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions.
  • Visits from authorities such as the police, fire and ambulance service help to reinforce messages about the rule of law.
  • Pupils are supported to distinguish right from wrong.
  • We help pupils to resolve conflicts with a focus on fairness and restorative practices.

Individual Liberty

Tolerance and Respect
  • Children are given regular opportunities to make informed choices in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Children are encouraged to follow their interests in art, music, sport etc and are able to access a range of after school clubs and enrichment activities in Shine Time.
  • Through the school curriculum, collective worship and wider opportunities offered, we teach the children how to stay safe.
  • Children are encouraged to become independent learners from the outset.
  • Pupils take on key roles and responsibilities e.g. Playground Buddies who help to support positive play at breaktimes

 

 
  • We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued.
  • Respect is one of our core values that is explicitly taught and celebrated throughout school.
  • The school has developed an anti-bullying culture through application of a clear policy and procedures.
  • We challenge stereotypes through SMSC/PSHCE work, assemblies and the wider curriculum.
  • Children are taught about a range of faiths and beliefs through RE lessons and collective worship.
  • Visits and visitors enable the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of different faiths and beliefs.