SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education. Across the curriculum, in all subjects, in our tutor times and through our Castle Manor Way, we seek to promote and learn to explore our beliefs, experiences, faiths, feelings and values and learn about ourselves, others and the surrounding world. We seek to be reflective, learning about what is right and wrong and what the law says and investigating moral and ethical issues. We seek to use all aspects of school life to use a range of social skills through participation and conflict resolution. We intend for all our children to have rich cultural experiences and to respect and celebrate diversity.
From 2014 maintained schools have been required to actively promote British Values in Schools as part of their SMSC provision. But what are British Values?
British Values recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. All schools have a vital role in ensuring that our young people are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Government guides schools towards ‘promoting the fundamental British values’ of Democracy The rule of law Individual liberty Mutual respect Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are not, however, uniquely British, nor should it be assumed that everyone understands them. Our students’ appreciation of British Values has to be arrived at through mutual exploration and understanding. Therefore, our focus at Castle Manor is on helping young people understand how things in British society work and how to challenge and change society for the better. At Castle Manor these values are also promoted through collective themes for the week, tutor time activities and wider events which help to promote the sense of pride we should all have in our shared British heritage. These values are taught across the curriculum, in RHRE lessons and other subjects.