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Personal Development, British Values & SMSC

 

"Education for global citizenship helps enable young people to develop the core competencies which allow them to actively engage with the world, and help to make it a more just and sustainable place.  Global Citizenship is now an additional subject, it is an ethos.”

Oxfam Website (cited 16.12.14)

Education for Global Citizenship is …

  • asking questions and developing critical thinking skills

  • equipping young people with knowledge, skills and values to participate as active citizens

  • acknowledging the complexity of global issues

  • revealing global issues and connections as part of everyday life, whether in a small village or a large city

  • understanding how we relate to the environment and to each other as human beings

  • relevant to all areas of the curriculum.

At the Polehampton Schools, global citizenship is a whole school ethos and is promoted through teaching our curriculum in a way that highlights aspects such as social justice, the appreciation of diversity and the importance of sustainable development.

We aim to raise pupils awareness and encourage them children to...

  • See themselves and others as special

  • Enjoy learning about one another’s lives

  • Appreciate similarities and differences between their lives and those of others in their school, community and the wider world and value the common humanity shared by us all.

  • Begin to understand how their daily lives are connected to others people’s lives around the world.

  • Begin to understand that everyone has rights and responsibilities.

  • Begin to learn to think critically and creatively to make decisions about their own lives.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At the Polehampton Schools, we recognise the place great importance on the children’s personal development - spiritually, morally, socially and culturally (SMSC).

Our school ethos and curriculum actively promotes children’s SMSC development, preparing them for opportunities, responsibilities and expectations in life. We are committed to developing and nurturing the whole child to ensure they thrive as confident, healthy, happy and thoughtful individuals who are able to make informed choices and decisions in an fast changing world.

All adults model and promote expected behaviour; treating all people as unique and valuable individuals, showing respect for other staff, children and their families.

Some examples of the ways in which we support children in their development are detailed below.

Spiritual

  • We provide opportunities to understand human feelings and emotions, the way they affect people and how an understanding of them can be helpful.

  • We enjoy learning about oneself and others, respecting faiths, feelings and personal values.

  • We explore values and beliefs, including religious, and the way in which they affect people’s lives.

  • We promote using our imaginations and develop creativity.

  • Time is spent reflecting upon learning and experiences.

Moral

  • We have an open and safe learning environment in which children can express their views and practise making informed and independent judgements and decisions.

  • Show respect for the environment.

  • Encouraged to reflect upon the messages in moral and religious stories.

  • Encouraged to use appropriate questioning of all that goes on around them.

  • Through quality relationships and interactions we promote principles including fairness, integrity and respect for others.

  • Children are engaged in conflict resolution and through the language of choice, are encouraged to consider right and wrong and understand consequences.

Social

  • We encourage children to work cooperatively, share views and opinions with others, and listen to theirs.

  • We support children in developing strategies for resolving conflicts.

  • We have fostered a sense of community with common, inclusive values which ensure that everyone can flourish.

  • We support children in developing personal qualities including thoughtfulness, honesty, respect and independence.

  • We provide opportunities for children to engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.

Cultural

  • We encourage children to recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain and accord dignity to other people's values and beliefs.

  • We enable children to explore their own cultural heritage and that of others in school, the local community and the greater world.

  • We respect and celebrate diversity providing opportunities for children to learn about and participate in cultural events and experiences.

  • We recognise and nurture individuals gifts and talents.

 

Please click here to view our SMSC Policy on the Policies section of the website.