Hackthorn Church Of England Primary School

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

As embedded within our school vision, 'We grow responsible, compassionate learners who are inspired to make a positive difference in the world.' SMSC is not a separate subject that is taught explicitly, but it is part of our whole school experience through which we help both children and adults aspire to be the best person they can be locally, nationally and globally.

We aim to develop SMSC through worship, the curriculum, behaviour expectations and our attitudes in school. 

Spiritual Development

• Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life.
• Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings, and values.
• Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others, and the world around them.
• Use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
• Willingness to reflect on their experiences

We use the ‘Windows, Mirrors and Doors’ approach (developed by Liz Mills) which has helped us to develop our thinking about spiritual development across our whole curriculum.

Windows - Exploring others' perspectives and the beauty of the world
Giving children opportunities to become aware of the world in new ways. Learning about life in it’s fullness, this includes both the things that amaze us and challenge us.
To wonder about life’s 'wows' and 'ows'. Through our curriculum we have lessons with awe and wonder through a variety of stimuli photos, videos, music, artefacts,
current events and real life stories.

Mirrors -  Understanding self
Mirror moments are one way for us all to explore our own spirituality; they encourage us to consider how we feel about ourselves and our place in God’s creation. These moments give us the opportunity to reflect upon our own experiences.  They allow us to think about life’s big questions and consider some possible answers.  These moments allow us to learn from life by exploring our own insights and perspectives and those of others.  Mirror moments remind us that Christian’s believe that we are all special and unique creations made in the image of God who are all truly valued and loved
Doors - Thinking about others, taking action and engagement with the world
Giving children opportunities to respond to all of this; to do something creative as a means of expressing, applying and further developing their thoughts and
convictions. Door moments are one way to explore our own spirituality and how this relates to our relationships with others. This reflection focuses on serving others as an outworking of our spirituality, understanding our place in creation as part of a community.  These moments help us to put our beliefs and values into action to help others. They may hear of a local issue (i.e. road safety) or an international event and request an action i.e. raising money, writing to the community to help the cause. 

Examples of this being developed at Hackthorn include:

• R.E. lessons – learning about different faiths and reflecting upon different beliefs.
• British Values - mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith
• Global learning through RE/ History/Geography topics, which focus on the world around us e.g. countries, Our Planet, Landscapes, Living Things.
• Music from other ethnic groups and societies and the use of this to express beliefs.
• Developing empathy with authors and characters in stories and plays, with people from other times in history.
• Valuing the work of great authors, artists and musicians.
• Our school Christian values
• Collective worship - opportunities for personal reflection and response, celebrating success, experiencing emotions, stillness and calm. 

Moral Development

• Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, and to recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England. 
• Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions. 
• Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues

Examples of this being developed at Hackthorn include:

• Opportunities for debates, Conscience Alley, role play, circle time
• Anti-bullying Week
• British Values - the rule of law
• Our school Christian values
• Worship and the understanding of the moral of stories and therefore, so how should we behave

Social Development

• Use of a range of social skills in different contexts – for example, working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively.
• Acceptance of and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

Examples of this being developed at Hackthorn include:

• Collaborative learning opportunities
• Team work to solve problems/dilemmas
• Educational visits
• Sports Day
• Community lunch
• British Values

Cultural Development

• Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
• Understanding and appreciation of the range of- different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain.
• Ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities.
• Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain.
• Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities.
• Interest in exploring, improving understanding of, and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, and celebrate diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, and global communities.

Examples of this being developed at Hackthorn include:

• British Values
• Historical events and people e.g Guy Fawkes
• Celebrations – Christmas, Easter
• Worships/ R.E. festivals – Eid, Diwali, Chinese New Year
• Educational visits e.g Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral

Our Links with the Wider Community

• Links with the local church are fostered - we hold services at the church at key points of the year (Harvest, Christmas, Easter and Summer).
• Community lunch at the village hall is attended by KS2 pupils.
• Community members are invited to join worship with us - Church members: Mr and Mrs Beverley, Ann Evans, Reverend Lynne Hawkins, as well as church wardens, parents and families. In one worship we create a community candle. 
• Visits to places of worship of other faiths may be arranged to support the understanding of different cultures.
• The school supports the work of a variety of charities e.g. Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Children with Cancer, Mental Health Awareness.
• Liaison with local secondary schools to support the primary curriculum, to ensure effective transition takes place and to share resources. 
• Children are taught to appreciate and take responsibility for their local environment. Children also enjoy 'welly walks' around our village.
• We have strong links with parents and carers; enabling us to work in an effective partnership to support the children. 
• Links with local sports clubs to extend the opportunities of children - tennis.
• Parents share their careers with KS2 through STEM talks.