SMSC

At Brookdale Primary School our children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development plays a significant role in their ability to achieve, learn and contribute to the wider community. Our curriculum is planned to ensure our children flourish as reflective, thoughtful and responsible individuals who are curious about the world around them.

Our 6 core values of Respect, determination, teamwork, friendship, responsibility and compassion enable our children to develop into positive members of society who will be able to make significant contributions in making our world (both near and far) a kinder place.

 Spiritual Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that enable pupils to –

• Build resilience, confidence and self-esteem in their learning experience
• Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought
• Be compassionate towards other people, our wolrd and themselves
• Express their thoughts and feelings whilst being aware of the thoughts and feelings of others
• Experience moments of stillness and reflection
• Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences
• Make and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships
• Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life
• Recognise and reflect on major religions

Moral Development

As a school we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to –

• Recognise the value and contribution of each individual
• Recognise that religious teaching has a place in the lives of people around them
• Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others
• Act responsibly with consideration for others
• Distinguish between right and wrong
• Show respect for the environment
• Make informed and independent judgements
• Talk about their standpoint, ideals and beliefs

 Social Development

As a school we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to –

• Develop an understanding of their individual identity
• Begin to understand their place within different groups in society
• Learn about service in our school and the wider community
• Begin to understand the need for social justice
• Develop compassion for others, especially those who are disadvantaged

The key vocabulary built through our curriculum helps our children make connections between the past, present and future and the impact values, beliefs and ideals have on society.  The key vocabulary is: Democracy, Exploration, Belief, Justice, Innovation, Civilisation, Freedom, Sustainability, Community, Diversity,  Adaptation, Family, Rule of Law, Tolerance, Individual Liberty

Cultural Development

As a school, we aim to promote opportunities that will enable pupils to –

• Develop an understanding of the social and cultural environment we are part of today
• Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain and how this influences individuals and society
• Recognise we can learn from the past to make positive changes for today and the future.

Some examples of the practical activities used to develop SMSC at Brookdale:

• A reward system based around our core values
• A commitment to Growth Mindset philosophy including specific lessons taught within each year group
• A dedicated section of our website to Well-being
• The use of Big Questions every term which demand deep thinking around philosophical ideas.
• The development of strong home-school partnerships  e.g. through celebration assemblies, curriculum workshops, home-learning and homework and working closely with our PTA Friends of Brookdale
• Appreciation of the local environment and developing a sense of responsibility for it.
• Supporting Local, National and International charities  e.g. Children in Need and Save the Children
• Weekly Collective worship
• Collective worship led by the “A Team” (Assembly team from local churches)
• A well-planned and effective PSHE curriculum
• Lunchtime organisation e.g. social eating and play leaders
• Opportunities to take responsibility e.g. school council, Year 6 ambassadors, 
• Participation in school visits
• Modern Foreign Language lessons
• Sessions delivered by Greasby Methodist Church for all classes.