Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education is about developing a person as a whole. As students move through Highbury Fields School we are committed to developing not only their academic standards and levels of attainment, but also their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. This allows every one of our students to form their own strong identity, a sense of place and purpose and gives them the confidence to question and discover who they are in the world. It also prepares them to face the exciting challenges that lie ahead in their life. Please see below to explore how SMSC education is offered at Highbury Fields.

Spiritual

• We give students the opportunity to explore values and beliefs, including religious beliefs and the way in which they affect peoples’ lives.

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

• We encourage students to relate their learning to a wider frame of reference, for example: asking ‘why?’ ‘how?’ and ‘where?’ as well as ‘what?’.

Moral

• We provide a clear moral code as a basis for behaviour which is promoted consistently through all aspects of the school.

• We promote measures to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and other criteria.

• We encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, for example: respect for property, care of the environment and developing codes of behaviour.

• We provide models of moral virtue through literature, humanities, sciences, arts and assemblies.

Social

• We foster a sense of community, with common, inclusive values which ensure that everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, nationality, gender, ability, sexual orientation and religion can flourish.

• We help students develop personal qualities which are valued in a society for example: thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for difference, moral principles, independence, interdependence and self-respect.

• We provide a conceptual and linguistic framework within which to understand and debate social issues.

• We encourage students to work together co-operatively.

Cultural

• We provide opportunities for students to explore their own cultural assumptions and values.

• We present authentic accounts of the attitudes, values and traditions of diverse cultures.

• We extend students’ knowledge and use of cultural imagery and language, recognising and nurturing particular gifts and talents.

• We provide opportunities for students to participate in literature, drama, music, art and crafts based activities.