Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development
At Brookmead School, we are committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our pupils. This underpins our entire school ethos and is embedded across our curriculum, teaching, and wider school life. We aim to develop well-rounded, respectful, and reflective individuals who are prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world.
Spiritual Development
Pupils’ spiritual development is nurtured through opportunities that encourage self-awareness, reflection, and an appreciation of life’s deeper meanings. We encourage our pupils to:
- Be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspectives on life
- Develop knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
- Experience enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others, and the world around them
- Use imagination and creativity in their learning
- Reflect thoughtfully on their experiences
Our inclusive approach allows children to explore their sense of identity, purpose, and belonging in a supportive environment.
Moral Development
At Brookmead School, we place great importance on helping children develop a strong sense of fairness, integrity, and personal responsibility. We support pupils in understanding the difference between right and wrong and encourage them to apply this understanding in their daily lives.
Pupils’ moral development is shown by their:
- Ability to recognise right from wrong and make positive choices based on this understanding
- Respect for the laws of England and an awareness of legal boundaries
- Understanding of how their actions affect others and the consequences of their behaviour
- Interest in discussing moral and ethical questions, and an openness to different opinions and perspectives
Through PSHE lessons, classroom discussions, our behaviour policy, and real-life scenarios, we help children develop their moral judgement, reflect on their actions, and consider the wider impact of the choices they make.
Social Development
We help our pupils develop the social skills and confidence to thrive in different contexts and contribute positively to their communities. Pupils demonstrate social development through:
- Using a range of social skills when working and socialising with others, including those from different religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds
- Willingness to participate in various communities and social settings, including through volunteering and collaboration
- Acceptance of and engagement with British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Pupils are given real responsibilities through roles such as House Captains, playground leaders and Year 5 buddies. These roles help children to learn cooperation, empathy and leadership.
Cultural Development
Our curriculum and enrichment activities expose pupils to a rich and diverse cultural heritage. We encourage pupils to:
- Understand and appreciate the cultural influences that shape their own heritage and that of others
- Explore and value the range of different cultures within the school and beyond, preparing them for life in modern Britain
- Recognise and celebrate the things we share across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
- Gain knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its influence on our history and values
- Participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting, and cultural opportunities
- Show curiosity and respect for different faiths and cultural diversity, promoting acceptance, understanding and inclusion
Through our curriculum and wider experiences, we help children become informed, respectful, and active global citizens.