Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At William Murdoch Primary School, the promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education is considered to be a whole-school responsibility. SMSC development is promoted not only through all subject areas within the curriculum, but also through the ethos of the school and the development of positive attitudes and values.

‘Teaching contributes strongly to pupils’ spiritual, moral and social development.’
  (Ofsted April 2015)

Our pupils are given a wide range of opportunities for SMSC development to help build self-confidence, motivation, resilience, and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities within a diverse society.

Spiritual Development

This involves the growth of pupils’ sense of self, their unique potential, their understanding of their strengths and areas for development, and their willingness to achieve. As their curiosity about themselves and their place in the world develops, they begin to explore some of life’s fundamental questions.

This is supported through:

  • Religious Education lessons

  • Music assemblies and performances

  • PSHE lessons (Jigsaw programme)

  • Circle time and reflective activities

  • Visits to places of worship

  • Structured discussions and debates about current events

RSE

The Department for Education has stated that 'pupils need the knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy'.

At William Murdoch Primary School, RSE is taught as part of our PSHE curriculum, particularly through the ‘Relationships’ and ‘Changing Me’ units of work.

This supports pupils in developing self-esteem, understanding how to form positive and healthy relationships, and learning how to keep themselves safe and respected.

Our RSE curriculum provides the building blocks needed for positive and safe relationships of all kinds, including understanding families, friendships, and respectful behaviour.

RSE is taught in an age-appropriate and inclusive way that meets the needs of all pupils and reflects statutory guidance.

Moral Development

This involves pupils developing an understanding of right and wrong, recognising moral dilemmas, and showing concern for others. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for their behaviour.

They also develop their understanding of British Values, enabling them to make an active contribution to life in modern Britain.

This is supported through:

  • PSHE lessons (Jigsaw programme)

  • High expectations for behaviour and conduct

  • Clear school rules and expectations displayed throughout the school

  • Assemblies and visits from external speakers (e.g. police, community services)

  • Consistent behaviour systems (e.g. “Good to be Green”)

  • Pupils understanding rewards and consequences

  • Anti-Bullying Week and focused work on bullying, including cyberbullying and online safety

  • RE lessons

  • Class discussions and debates on topical issues (e.g. using First News resources)

Social Development

This involves pupils developing an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with being part of a community at local, national and global levels. Pupils learn to work with others and contribute positively to society.

This is supported through:

  • Sporting competitions within school and with other schools

  • After-school clubs and enrichment activities

  • Partnerships with other schools (e.g. King Edward VI Consortium, Handsworth Association of Schools)

  • Opportunities to perform in music ensembles and performances

  • Peripatetic music lessons, including brass, guitar, sitar and tabla

  • Cultural Evening of Entertainment

  • Performing arts (drama, choir, music)

  • Community activities such as the distribution of harvest donations

  • Parliament Week and participation in youth voice activities (e.g. School Council)

  • Delivery of the RE curriculum

Cultural Development

This involves pupils developing an understanding and appreciation of cultural traditions and experiences, both within their own community and beyond. Pupils develop respect for diversity and curiosity about different cultures and ways of life.

This is supported through:

  • RE curriculum with focused study of different world religions

  • Visits to places of worship

  • Festival assemblies and celebrations (e.g. Eid, Diwali, Christmas, Guru Nanak's Birthday)

  • Displays reflecting diversity, including multilingual welcome displays

  • Remembrance assemblies

  • ‘People in History’ projects and celebration assemblies to showcase learning

  • Cultural Evening of Entertainment

  • Workshops and experiences such as African dance, steel drums and bhangra

  • Parliament Week, including visits from local MPs or visits to the Houses of Parliament

  • Theatre productions (e.g. Artefacts Theatre Company)

  • A knowledge-rich curriculum including local, national and international studies

  • Sports Day and Health Week

  • Extra-curricular clubs (e.g. art, sewing, cooking)

  • Charity work, including Children in Need, Poppy Appeal, Comic Relief and disaster relief appeals

  • Opportunities such as Times Tables Rock Stars to engage with wider national participation and competition

myHappymind

We have introduced a program to all year groups at school called myHappymind. myHappymind is based around helping children to understand how their brain works and to support them in developing positive skills and habits to be their very best selves!

myHappymind is delivered in school by class teachers through a series of interactive lessons, the children then children apply these learnings throughout the day. To further embed this learning and ensure that you are able to engage in these topics with your child, myHappymind has developed a set of resources for parents. These resources can be accessed online on your computer, or through an app on your phone. The resources allow children to continue to practise some of the habits they have developed at school, such as happy breathing, and for you to learn more about what they are learning in the program. Also included are activities for you to do together at home, to complement the in-school lessons. 

To access these materials just go to https://myhappymind.org/parent-resources and enter your name, email, and authentication code which can be obtained from the School Office.

We really encourage you to make use of this free content so that you can support your child in getting the best out of the curriculum. If you have any questions about the curriculum, please contact your child’s class teacher. If you have any technical questions about accessing the resources, please contact hello@myHappymind.org.