Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development at Newby Primary School
At Newby we believe that our whole-school vision, ethos and curriculum design reflect our intention to incorporate SMSC values into the very fabric of our school and daily life.
Children are encouraged to think about 'big questions' which promote an understanding of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural similarities and differences. Regular philosophy for children sessions encourage children to debate and talk about these topics and issues, developing sensitivity and an understanding of appropriateness.
The development of our spiritual, moral, social, cultural and British values is a key aspect of our school curriculum and is threaded through our school ethos and daily life. Through our long/medium term planning, together with enriching experiences, children have the opportunity to explore values and beliefs, including religious beliefs, and the way in which they impact on peoples’ lives.
Our behaviour policy equips our children to be reflective, enabling children to develop an understanding of their own and others’ feelings and emotions and the way in which our actions impact on other people.
Assemblies and Collective Worship at Newby Primary School are both spiritual and educational and are recognised as having a major contribution to the spiritual and moral development of all pupils.
_20230806171259884.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Newby Primary School photography - 12.06 (102 of 158)")
Spiritual Development
Spiritual Development is not about promoting a specific religion or about our Religious Education Curriculum. Through many different opportunities we encourage children to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or not) and develop an understanding and respect for those with different beliefs.
Through Collective Worship we aim to: provide an all-inclusive opportunity to build and reinforce community values; reflect on and understand elements of life which are of value and worth; provide a variety of opportunities for spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development; provide opportunities for expressing shared experiences and interests and for celebrating special occasions together; and provide opportunities in which pupils report on their interactions with other year groups, staff and guests from the wider community.
The way we deliver our curriculum ensures children enjoy their learning, encouraging them to ask questions, think creatively and reflect on their experiences. We regularly create 'awe and wonder' moments where children are encouraged to reflect on the beauty in the world around them.
Moral Development
Moral development is one of the key drivers for our whole curriculum. In term one particularly, children are supported to develop what we define as a 'moral compass'. In exploring key questions such as 'What is Power?' and 'Who decides what's right or wrong?', children are challenged to think and debate key ideas which we are presented with in day to day life.
Our approach to behaviour ensures children are encouraged to reflect on the choices they have made and, where appropriate, given opportunities to make ammends.
_20230806171410104.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Newby Primary School photography - 12.06 (93 of 158)")
_20230806171530416.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Newby Primary School photography - 12.06 (120 of 158)")
Social Development
Social development starts from the moment children start Nursery. We passionately believe in 'Learning through play' and therefore children are supported to develop social interactions, understanding the many benefits working as a team brings.
All our Key Stage Two children are asked to apply for one of our 'Newby Jobs' - through these roles, children work with others across the school community, listening to other viewpoints and considering what is best for all children, not just the individual.
Children develop an understanding of 'British Values' in a way that means they understand these as values for all of us to adhere to - irrespective of being British or not.
Cultural Development
One of our many strengths as a school is the way we encourage children to develop culturally. Our curriculum is designed to ensure children are exposed to 'The best of mankind'; artists, musicians, engineers, architects, policitcal activists and so many more. More importantly, these people are studied not only to learn about their lives and the contributions they have made but as a model of people who we can aspire to be as we consider what our future might hold.
Yearly 'Arts Festivals' not only provide opportunities for children to work in mixed age groups, but also allow them to perform, explore art and music from around the world, as well as showcasing how talented they all are.
Weekly faith assemblies are an opportunity to explore the same key theme in all of the world religions. By doing this, children develop an understanding that whilst we may be different, we also share lots in common.
