At South Wilts Grammar our central tenet ‘Learning for today, preparing for tomorrow’ exemplifies our attitude and approach to the importance of the development of all aspects of SMSC. We believe that our curriculum should provide a broad and balanced experience for all students.

It is fundamental that students must have the opportunity to acquire knowledge to develop a respect for facts and the truth so as they are able to understand their own values. Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and SMSC is about empowerment, relationships, rights and responsibilities. It is also about social systems, their structures and the forces of social change.

We recognise that the development of students, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part not only in their ability to learn and achieve but in their ability to relate fully to and have the ability to successfully access the world they live in. We therefore aim to deliver an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values, whilst recognising that those of others may differ. Beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour including a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures are all critical skills and dispositions that we nurture, encourage and develop through our subjects and wider curriculum.

All areas of the curriculum contribute to the students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for SMSC and are planned in each area of the curriculum. Students will explore belief values, principles and spirituality across the curriculum whilst exploring and respecting the integrity and spirituality of various faith backgrounds. Students will study the diversity of spiritual backgrounds and will be given access to explore a variety of different views.

All members of staff will model and promote socially responsible behaviour, treating all people as valuable individuals and showing respect for students and their families and stakeholders. Students should learn to differentiate between right and wrong in as far as their actions affect other people.  They will be encouraged to value themselves and others.

Students should understand their rights and accept their responsibilities and the need to respect the rights of others. The SWGS Values promote responsible behaviour. All curriculum areas should seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. This will be reflected in the teacher’s planning and learning resources.

We aim to ensure:

• That everyone connected with the school is aware of our values and principles.
• A consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC issues through the curriculum and the general life of the school.
• That a child’s education is set within the context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age, aptitude and background.
• That students have a good understanding of their responsibilities and how to employ them

Within the classroom and wider curriculum, we give students the opportunities to:

• Share their achievements and successes with others
• Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
• Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
• Speak about difficult events, e.g. bullying, death etc.
• Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
• Consider the needs and behaviour of others.
• Show empathy.
• Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
• Develop a sense of belonging.
• Develop the skills and attitudes that enable children to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally e.g. empathy, respect, open-mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness etc.

• Listen and talk to each other.
• Develop an awareness of treating all as equals, accepting people who are different because of physical and learning difficulties.
• Agree and disagree.
• Experience good role models.
• Take turns and share ideas, equipment and provide the opportunity to contribute.
• Work co-operatively and collaboratively.

• Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experience.
• Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought.
• Foster their emotional life and express their feelings.
• Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
• Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences.
• Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships.
• Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.

• Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
• Helping others in the school and wider community.
• Participating and cooperating in a variety of challenges, including finding ways to resolve problems.

• Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain.
• Develop an understanding of the UK’s local, national, European, Commonwealth and global dimensions.
• Exploring what makes our communities diverse.
• Participating in a variety of cultural activities.

• Working together in different groupings and situations.
• Encouraging the children to behave appropriately in lessons and in social time.
• Taking responsibility e.g. prefect duties, learning mentors, team captains, school council.
• Encouraging teamwork in all group activities.
• Showing appreciation of the performances of other children regardless of ability.
• Meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries.
• Participation in a variety of different educational visits.
• Participation in live performances.
• Use of assembly themes to explore important aspects of our heritage and other cultures e.g. European Day of Languages, Black History Month, Pride Month, the patron saints and national celebrations.
• Studying the ‘Arts’ from different cultures supported by visits from writers and artists and participating in workshops.
• Opportunities for the children to hear and see live performances by professional actors, dancers and musicians.
• Opportunities to explore visual arts by visiting exhibitions.
• Opportunities to make and evaluate food from other countries.
• Studying the contributions to society that certain famous, historical and influential people have made.

• Visitors are welcomed into our school.
• The school will support the work of a variety of charities.
• The development of strong home-school communication routes is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the students.
• Students will be taught to appreciate and take responsibility for their local environment.
• The school continues to work alongside other schools in the area, the Wessex Partnership and schools within SWAT.

Provision for SMSC is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.  This achieved by:

• Monitoring of teaching and learning and work scrutiny by Heads of Department / Senior Leadership Team / Trustees.
• Regular discussions at staff and trustees’ meetings.
• Audit of policies and units of study including the school’s approach to collective reflection, e.g. through the tutor programme, PSD lessons, assemblies, and start the day well.
• We firmly believe that the effective provision and delivery of a curriculum that serves to accomplish all the aforementioned aspects of SMSC development will purposefully ensure our pupils develop the skills they need to achieve success and fulfilment in life.