Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

In our school, we recognise the importance of the academic, personal development and well-being of every pupil. We provide children with a breadth of thoughtful and wide-ranging opportunities to explore and promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with reference to the Equality Act (2010) and global education themes.

As a church school, we are committed to providing an environment that enables our children to become aware of, and reflect upon, their own and others’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences and promote development of these in all aspects of school life (taking into account the school’s trust deed).

Spiritual Development

At Preston Candover CE Primary, Spiritual Development is essentially about relationships. It is about connecting with, exploring and deepening our understanding of ourselves, others, the beauty of the world and beyond. We see spiritual development as a journey of encounter, reflection and transformation that we are all on in our quest for individual identity and the search for meaning and purpose in our existence.

We use the following ‘Windows, Mirrors, Doors’ framework, developed by Liz Mills, to further define what spirituality means for us in our school.

MIRROR MOMENTS

Self: Our understanding of who we are: “What’s important to me?”

Mirror: Pause and reflect- the way we look at ourselves and reflect on how we wish to behave. Exploring our own feelings, emotions and beliefs, whether rooted in faith or not.

Reflection: The learning from our experiences

DOOR MOMENTS

Others: How our self-understanding shapes our relationships with others: “How can I make a difference?”

Door: Opening the door to welcome people, their feelings and beliefs. Developing awareness and respect for other people’s beliefs and faiths, difference and diversity. Developing empathy, concern and compassion for how to treat others. Having the opportunity to contribute to society and make a positive difference

Transformation: The learning to live by putting into action what I believe

WINDOW MOMENTS

Beauty: Our wonder at life and creativity: “What do we find beautiful?”

Window: Looking out into the world- Appreciation of the world and beauty around us and the ‘awe and wonder’ that surrounds us. Developing our capacity to value the world, demonstrate gratefulness and ask questions.

Encounter: The learning about life

CANDLE MOMENTS

Beyond: Our sense of meaning, higher purpose and values: “Why am I here?”    

Candle: Allowing the opportunity to search for meaning in our existence and our place in the greater scheme of things. Engaging with big enquiry questions.

More information can be found in our SMSC policy under the sub-heading Spirituality.

Moral Development

At our school, Moral Development is concerned with the ability to make judgements about how we should behave and act and the reasons for such behaviour.  It refers to the knowledge, understanding, values and attitudes in relation to what is right or wrong.

In our school, moving gradually from ‘taught’ morality to taking responsibility for their own moral decisions, children will be encouraged to:

• Understand the experience the moral dimension of the Christian faith
• Distinguish between right and wrong
• Respect the right and property of others
• Help those less fortunate than themselves
• Act with consideration towards others
• Reflect on moral principles
• Take responsibility for their actions
• Have high expectations
• Conform to rules and understand consequences
• Understand that the behaviour will be judged but the child will always be accepted
• Understand the need to forgive and be forgiven

We promote the moral development of the child by;

· Showing respect and awareness of the rights of others e.g. UNCRC Rights of the Child and RRE

· Having a consensus of values and virtues that are stated clearly and owned by everyone e.g. in Class Charter

· Building the self-esteem of the child

· Encouraging everyone within the school to behave in a caring way towards one another

Social Development

At our school, Social Development refers to the development of abilities and qualities that children need to acquire if they are to play a full and active part in society.

Children will be encouraged to:

• Develop skills such as co-operation, collaboration, responsibility, teamwork and initiative
• Relate positively to others
• Participate fully and take on responsibilities
• Behave appropriately
• Engage in successful partnerships
• Show care and consideration eg. Through sharing and taking turns
• Experience being part of a caring community
• Listen and respect the viewpoints and ideas of others
• Become responsible citizens
• To promote a curiosity in contrasting places and countries
• To begin to understand the imperative of social justice and a concern for the disadvantaged
• Resolve conflict

We promote social development through:

• Providing robust programmes of support for children with additional needs to allow them to participate fully in school life
• Emotional Literacy support to help individual pupils as well as developing social skills for groups of children
• Participation in a range of sporting activities throughout the year
• Engagement with local events
• Leadership roles and pupil voice

Cultural Development

At our school, is concerned with the development of knowledge and understanding of differing cultural beliefs, customs and traditions.

Opportunities will be provided for children to:

• Develop a sense of belonging to a culture and being proud of their cultural background
• Respond to cultural events
• Share different cultural traditions and beliefs
• Appreciate the values, customs, beliefs and diversity of other faiths, ethnic and social economic groups in the local, national and global communities
• Discuss and explore differences and similarities between different cultures and faiths
• Critically evaluate current cultural enthusiasms, icons, music and media with confidence and respect

We promote cultural development through:

• Exposing children to a wealth of stimuli from their own culture and those of others
• Encouraging participation in and appreciation of the Arts activities through the year
• Encouraging tolerance and appreciation of the beliefs, value and customs of different cultures
• A celebration and sharing of children’s and families cultural heritage