Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development
At George Dixon Academy, SMSC and ‘British values’ is embedded in our curriculum, (e.g, PSHE, English, Maths, Science, etc).
What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.
The promotion of ‘SMSC’ helps children develop personal qualities, which are valued in a civilised society; for example, thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for difference, moral principles, independence, and self-respect. We seek to teach these qualities across the curriculum and throughout school life and link them closely to our school values and ethos. These qualities are also embedded and reinforced through our SMSC/ PSHE and Careers programme and values-based assemblies.
At George Dixon Academy ‘SMSC is effectively promoted through;
- Our whole Academy ethos
- Pastoral care, guidance and support
- Analysis of behaviour, bullying and discriminatory behaviour
- A broad and balanced curriculum
- Values-based assemblies
- Involvement in fundraising and support for a variety of charities
- PSHE and Careers programme delivered during form time
- Student voice
- Enrichment activities e.g. trips, visits and outside speakers who visit school
- Extra – curricular activities during lunch and afterschool
- Maintaining positive relationships with the wider community
Promoting British Values
From November 2014, all schools have responsibility to promote the 'fundamental British values' of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. As per the advice from the DfE, at George Dixon Academy we aim promote these values through SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural development) and is embedded throughout our curriculum and school ethos.
Here at George Dixon Academy, this promotion of the key values detailed above has been an integral part of our work over very many years. We are part of a community which is ethnically, religiously, socially and academically diverse. We celebrate this diversity and recognise it as enriching and a real strength of our academy.
Within our academy, members of staff have a strong sense of the values we need to promote. All ensure that they:
- Enable students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Enable students to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England & Wales;
- Encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;
- Enable students to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;
- Further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling students to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;
- Encourage respect for other people;
- Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England & Wales.