Intent

At Lawsnide Academy 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 pupils 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 their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of the cultures.

All members of the school community are encouraged to develop into responsible citizens through the implementation of modern British Values. Modern British Values are shared through the thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of the children’s SMSC development, enabling them to thrive in a supportive, highly cohesive learning community.

Implementation

Development in SMSC will take place across all curriculum areas, within activities that encourage pupils to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.  SMSC links are made with class learning ‘experiences’.

Each half term, a school communal ‘Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development and British Values display board is used to exhibit class work.  A school portfolio book is kept to evidence work throughout the school.  

Class discussions and circle time (this is a time when the class works together to discuss an issue or concern) will give pupils opportunities to:

• Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
• Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
• Speak about difficult events, e.g. bullying, death etc.
• Share thoughts and feelings with other people.
• Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
• Consider others needs and behaviour.
• Show empathy.
• Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
• Develop a sense of belonging.
• Develop the skills and attitudes that enable pupils to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally – e.g. empathy, respect, open mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness, etc. 

Impact

• Children are happy and value themselves and others as unique individuals.
• Children have the skills to collaborate critically, respectfully and creatively with each other and with a caring approach.
• Children are able to reflect upon their behaviour and others and can evaluate what makes for good behaviour.
• Children of all abilities achieve in all lessons.  All children, including disadvantaged and children with SEND are given the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
• Because children have developed a good understanding of British Values, they make a positive contribution as responsible citizens.