In This Section
British Values
Defining spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC)
As a school that is not part of a diverse society with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths, we realise this is an area of understanding that we have to educate our children in to develop their spiritual awareness. We ask our parents to support this through home learning by providing children with opportunities to enjoy wider culture experiences outside school. We use our assembly time as well as Health and Wellbeing and RE lessons to reflect on different beliefs and cultures as well as exploring what place we take in multi-cultural Britain. We encourage the children to be imaginative and creative in their learning through our curriculum and range of extra-curricular activities. The adults in school model their own experiences to the children which embeds the ethos of a community of life-long learners. As part of the learning process children are encouraged to reflect on their progress, as well as their strengths and areas for development.
The moral development of pupils within our school
There is a large emphasis on understanding the difference between right and wrong and we have a strong commitment to good behaviour which is both modelled and rewarded by all. There is a large emphasis on how we behave and take our place within the community where positive relationships are built on fairness and understanding. The highest standard of a moral code are modelled to pupils by adults and by older pupils to their younger peers. Our assemblies and curriculum provide opportunities to explore issues and differing viewpoints.
The social development of our pupils
We recognise this happens at different rates and to different levels; all activities are planned so as to provide the best possible learning environment to enhance social skills. Children are facilitated to understand social conventions and socially acceptable behaviour through all that we do. Children are encouraged to be kind to their friends, be thoughtful, truthful and to discuss these issues where possible.
The cultural development of pupils
This is strong in terms of their understanding of democracy and the right to have your say. The curriculum underpins a development of how a wide range of different cultures have influenced society today in Britain and further afield. A strength of our school is the participation of our pupils in both sporting and artistic events in the local community of schools and in the wider community. Because we are not an ethnically diverse school or community this is an area we have to work harder on. Our children have a growing awareness of their place in a culturally diverse modern Britain.
Our approach to SMSC also includes how we address ‘British Values’, including how we prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain. We believe the values set out as being ‘British’ are values that we would consider important in any modern society:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
At Marie Weller, the children are asked to give their opinions and suggestions about school matters, thinking about how we can continue to improve our school.
Our children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. As the school grows, we will have a school council which meets regularly with senior staff; they will be actively involved in school improvement.
All council members are elected by their class and bring ideas and concerns to meetings for discussion. House Captains are also democratically elected and provide good role models for the younger children.
The school take part in a pupil survey which discusses the curriculum, safety and things the children would like to change.
The Rule of Law
Pupils throughout Marie Weller develop their understanding of what is right and what is wrong.
Each year, they are involved in developing their own class rules and are reminded of what they can expect of/from the school and what the school expects of them in order to maximise their learning.
Through their daily school life and explicitly in PSHW lessons, they develop their understanding of actions, responsibilities and consequences.
Visits from and to authorities such as the Police, Fire Service and Lifeguards are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
As a school we educate and provide boundaries for all.
From the start of their school life pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and to exercise them in a polite and thoughtful way e.g., e-safety lessons, PSHW Lessons, Mental Well Being Day.
As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Mutual respect is fundamental to the success of our school community. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own right and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Assemblies for the whole school take place. At Marie Weller we celebrate differences; our PSHE and RE curriculum look at our school’s values and those of other faiths and make connections in order to widen the children’s understanding of a wider multi-cultural Britain.