Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) Development at St Mary’s

Our Christian vision - Aspiring, nurturing, flourishing; together shining a light - guides our commitment to Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development. We believe that it is an essential part of our growth with significant importance in helping us to make connections with ourselves and others in order to shine our light. At St Mary's we seek to ensure that children grow into compassionate, reflective and responsible individuals, who positively contribute to the world around them.

What SMSC Means at St Mary’s

Our approach to SMSC is woven into every aspect of school life - from our curriculum and collective worship to our relationships, enrichment experiences and leadership opportunities. We strive to provide an education that goes beyond academics, nurturing children’s personal development so they leave St Mary’s confident, kind and ready to make a difference by shining their light.

How We Promote SMSC at St Mary’s

Spiritual Development

We encourage children to develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world, reflect on big questions of life and faith with an open mind, and appreciate that all people are unique and valued in God’s eyes. Spiritual development at our school focuses on making connections with ourselves, others, the world and with God.

Examples of where to see spiritual development at St Mary’s:

• In our classroom reflection area activities 
• Through carefully planned class trips
• Through opportunities for reflection in our Foundation subjects - where reflection is an intrinsic part of the curriculum
• In our PSHCE curriculum
• Through daily opportunities for prayer 
• In our reflection on and discussion of our St Mary’s weekly ‘Big question’
• In our daily Collective worship

Moral Development

Guided by our Christian values of friendship, compassion, courage, forgiveness, trust and perseverance, we help children develop a strong moral compass. Pupils learn to make responsible choices, show integrity, and stand up for what is right, treating others with respect and kindness.

Examples of where to see moral development at St Mary’s:

• In our foundation subjects curriculum, especially in our exploration of aspirational figures within RE, History and Geography 
• In our PSHCE lessons - learning about personal integrity, rights and responsibilities, choices and consequences
• In our daily Collective worship
• On the playground at breaktimes
• In the outworkings of our Behaviour Policy 

Social Development

We create opportunities for children to work together, build positive relationships, and develop leadership skills. Whether through our councils, Year 6 Positions of Responsibilities, family groups, peer mediators, community projects, or pupil-led initiatives, we empower children to contribute positively to our school and wider society.

Examples of where to see social development at St Mary’s:

• On our playgrounds at breaktimes
• In our discussions, presentations and debates in the classroom
• Through our use of talking partners 
• In our school councils
• In our English, PSHCE and RE curriculums - talking through our own views, learning respect for others’ opinions, reflecting on individual learning 

Cultural Development

We celebrate the richness of diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, helping children to develop a broad and inclusive worldview. Through visits, workshops, literature and the arts, pupils gain an appreciation of different ways of life, fostering respect, understanding and curiosity about the world.

Examples of where to see cultural development at St Mary’s:

• In our foundation subjects curriculum, especially in our learning of RE, History, Art, Music and Geography
• Through our Spanish curriculum
• In our class trips and visitors
• In our daily Collective worship
• In our enrichment weeks and activities