SMSC

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development.

At Highcliffe Primary, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We, therefore, aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of  social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.  

Spiritual Development

As a school community we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:

  • Build self-esteem and non-material well-being;
  • Develop the capacity for critical and independent thought;
  • Express and discuss feelings,  beliefs, values and response to personal experiences;
  • Experience moments of stillness and reflection;
  • Form and maintain positive and satisfying relationships;
  • Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.

Moral Development

As a school community we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:

Distinguish between right and wrong;

  • Take initiative and act responsibly, with consideration for others;
  • Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others;
  • Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks and to learn from mistakes;
  • ·Reflect on the consequences of their actions;
  • Apologise and to forgive – themselves and others;
  • Show respect for the environment.

Social Development

As a school community we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:

Display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingness to participate;

  • Make an active contribution to democratic processes;
  • Develop an understanding of individual and group identity;
  • Begin to understand the place they have within society and the role they need to play;
  • Develop their compassion for others in society;
  • Take initiative on wider social issues and establish ways they can help on an individual, local, national and global scale.

Cultural Development

As a school community we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:

  • Recognise the values and richness of cultural diversity in Britain and how this influences individuals and society;
  • Recognise and respect world faiths and beliefs, and understand the impact they have upon culture;
  • Develop an understanding of Britain’s local, national, European and global dimensions.

Awareness Days

At Highcliffe we take pride in the diversity within our school community.  The children know that we are all different but all equal and that we celebrate this.  We take part in awareness days throughout the year to ensure that our children are fully inclusive of the differences represented in our school.

We wish to raise awareness through the following Awareness Days:

  • To get people talking about Down Syndrome, we wear Odd Socks on World Down Syndrome Day in March each year.
  • In October, we Go Green for Cerebral Palsy for World Cerebral Palsy Day. 
  • In April, we have a Colour Parade for World Autism Awareness Day.
  • In May we sing and sign for Deaf Awareness Week. We also sign greetings at the start and end of our assemblies in school.
  • Within the next year, we will be celebrating our first Diabetes Awareness Week.