Social Moral Spiritual Cultural Education (SMSC)

"I love being in assembly because the whole school is together."    Year 2 Pupil

At Beech Hyde Primary School and Nursery, the promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is considered to be a whole school priority. People form their values and attitudes in childhood. These may change over time, but those values and attitudes formed in early life are likely to have a strong influence on the adult citizen. We have a duty to provide a positive influence whilst allowing pupils freedom of expression and the ability to reach decisions for themselves. The example set by adults in the school and the quality of relationships is of particular importance in promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our values of ‘physical, emotional and cognitive development for all’ support the importance of the growth and development of all aspects of SMSC within the school community.

SMSC is taught throughout the school community as part of the formal (Personal, Social, Health, Educaton - PSHE) and additional curriculum (Class teaching, Assemblies, special days). The school used JIGSAW, a whole school approach to PSHE that provides a detailed and comprehensive scheme of learning for ages 3 up to 16. It is a spiral, progressive and effective scheme that aims to prepare children for life, helping them to really know and value who they are and understand how they relate to others in this ever-changing world. We are incredibly grateful to the Wheathampsted Community Group (WCG) for funding this for us.