Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development Last Reviewed: January 2015 Next Review: January 2017 The statutory requirement that schools should encourage Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) was first included in the Education Reform Act 1988. Legislation on race equality, special educational needs, disability, sexual orientation, religion and age has significant links to students’ SMSC development. We have a statutory duty to ensure that students are not discriminated against and to promote good relations. The academy also takes seriously its duty to support the core values that are expressed as ‘Britishness’. This refers to core values which are integral to our nation, the rule of law and the behaviour standards we uphold. At this academy, we have a diverse population amongst both students and staff and we recognize that many other nations may also uphold these same values. However, as an academy community in the heart of London, collectively we agree with and adhere to these values, whatever our nationality. Therefore the academy promotes: an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process; an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety; an understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence; an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law; an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; and an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination At Harris Girls’ Academy we firmly believe that Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development supports and strengthens our mission ‘Aspire, Learn, Succeed’. Our caring ethos, and the value which we place on the development of the whole child, spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and intellectually is reflected throughout the Academy and in our curriculum and extra curricular activities, our approach to learning and teaching, behaviour for learning, and through our coaching system and home room time. These values are embedded throughout our working practice and are reflected in related policies and our Improvement Plans. How do we promote and develop SMSC across the Academy? We provide a supportive environment and place a strong emphasis on building positive, caring attitudes towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions, and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures. In the day to day life of the Academy, we expect all adults to model and promote the behaviour that reflects our values. We recognise that the personal development of students plays a significant part in their ability to learn, achieve and to develop their skills to be able to contribute to the community as an active responsible citizen. To show we are truly committed to this, we have allocated a period of time for ‘Home Room’ activities, so that every day students spend quality time with their Learning Coach. Students also participate in one assembly each week, which is further supported by the Harris Values. A different value is the theme for each month. The key message to everyone at the Academy is ‘we’re on the same side.’ The ‘At A Glance’ document that is displayed around the Academy gives a clear summary of the Academy Principles and how we support SMSC across the Academy. We further track our overt delivery of SMSC themes through the taught curriculum and ensure that these are available to parents and students on our website. Heads of Department are responsible for ensuring that these programmes are effectively delivered and that the themes covered are done so with sensitivity and openness. Our Aims for SMSC Spiritual Development is about what it is to be human, to grow as a person, to become self aware and to develop relationships with others. To promote Spiritual Development of students we support the development of: Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in 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 Moral Development is considered as personal development relating to human behaviour, especially the distinction between good and bad or right and wrong. To promote Moral Development of students we support the development of: Ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong, readily apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England Understanding of consequences of their behavior and actions Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues Social Development is concerned with living in a community rather than alone. To promote Social Development of students we support the development of: Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socializing with pupils 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 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; the pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain Cultural Development is concerned with the total of inherited ideas, beliefs, values and knowledge which constitute the shared basis for social acceptance and community cohesion. To promote Cultural Development of students we support the development of: 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 within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain 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, 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, respect and celebrate diversity; as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in the local, national and global communities How our Aims will be Achieved • Through our Academy principles which include common core values shared by students, parents, staff and the Governing Body which reflect an ethos which fosters spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. • Assemblies and Home Room Time. These opportunities will allow students to reflect and explore their own thoughts and feelings which promote a positive corporate identity aspiration and achievement. • The Academy’s PHSE (personal, health and social education) programme that explores ethical and moral issues such as the family, citizenship, law, human rights, crime, drugs alcohol and sex and relationship education. • Curricular opportunities for understanding specific issues within curriculum areas – these are overtly mapped • Compulsory Religious Education which plays a part in addressing the SMSC development. This is delivered through lessons in years 7&8 and through drop down days in years 9-11 as well as through the RS and exam syllabus. • A variety of extra curricular activities are available throughout the academic year. • Educational visits and trips. • Supporting charities through fund raising including our social enterprise company, HOPE. • Family involvement and support in reinforcing Academy values. Students can opt for Citizenship as part of their GCSE package The academy offers a range of additional education through outside agencies in partnership with our School Police Officer The Outcomes and Impact of SMSC Development • The Academy’s published set of principles result in a shared process and underpin all aspects of SMSC development. • The Academy community is harmonious and celebrates cultural diversity. •The Academy is a vibrant, calm learning environment where work and achievement is celebrated. • Assembles and Home Room Time involve staff and students in a variety of ways and promote SMSC development. • Within the Academy, students demonstrate appropriate standards of behaviour and dress. • Within the Academy, students and staff demonstrate appropriate attitudes towards one another, characterised by fairness, tolerance, multi racial awareness, mutual respect as well as respect for the physical environment. • Through their actions, students are guided by, and have respect for the Academy’s Harris Manners’. • Students take increasing responsibility for themselves and others through their relationships and participation in Academy life including student leadership activities. • Students have access to opportunities to be involved in Charity work, Fund raising, Community Service, Work Experience. • Students are involved in a range of cultural activities in and beyond the Academy. • The Academy’s PHSE programme is delivered and monitored and students are able to demonstrate an awareness of ethical and moral issues. • Curriculum areas promote SMSC knowledge and understanding. • All students receive compulsory Religious Education as legally required either through timetabled lessons or via drop down days. • Extra curricular activities are monitored for relevance and participation. • Strong partnership with families.