SMSC

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development is delivered on a weekly basis, with relevant sessions for assemblies and Ready to Learn time.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development also occurs through:

Faith Days taking place during the academy year, with representatives from a variety of religions and charities in the academy delivering awareness sessions on a carousel format
Extensive charity involvement as an academy
The ethos of the academy – values, attitudes and expectations which encourage respect, tolerance and contemplation
Overseas trips as well as subject enhancing visits to centres of cultural interest

Spiritual - Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral - Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social - Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.

Cultural - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Resources and Support for SMSC Development for Parents

Supporting your child's Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development at home is crucial for their overall growth. Here are some resources and support options to help you guide your child:

Books and Literature

Children's Books: Look for books that explore themes of diversity, ethics, and different cultures. Titles like "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio and "The Boy at the Back of the Class" by Onjali Q. Raúf are great starting points.
Parenting Guides: Books such as "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson offer insights into nurturing emotional and social development.

Online Resources

Educational Websites: Websites like BBC Bitesize and National Geographic Kids provide educational content that can enhance your child's understanding of different cultures and moral issues.
Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises suitable for children and families.

Community Involvement

Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in community service projects together. Websites like Do-it.org can help you find local volunteering opportunities.
Cultural Events: Attend local cultural festivals, museum exhibitions, and community events to expose your child to diverse cultures and traditions.

School Collaboration

Parent-Teacher Meetings: Regularly attend parent-teacher meetings to stay informed about your child's SMSC development and school activities.
Academy Events: Participate in events and workshops that focus on SMSC themes.

Support Services

Counselling and Mentoring: If your child needs additional support, consider school counselling services or external mentoring programs.
Parent Support Groups: Join local or online parent support groups to share experiences and strategies for supporting SMSC development.

Activities at Home

Family Discussions: Have regular discussions about moral and ethical issues, current events, and cultural practices to encourage critical thinking and empathy.
Creative Projects: Engage in art, music, and drama activities that explore different cultures and moral themes.

Online Courses and Workshops

Parenting Workshops: Look for online workshops and courses on parenting and child development. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on these topics.
Cultural Awareness Programs: Enrol in programs that focus on cultural awareness and sensitivity training.

By utilising these resources and support options, you can play an active role in your child's SMSC development, helping them grow into well-rounded and empathetic individuals.