SMSC & British Values
SMSC and British Values
We recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in children's ability to learn and achieve.
We therefore aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, 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.
This is a whole school responsibility.
All curriculum areas have a contribution to make to the child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this are planned in each area of the curriculum.
The Department for Education’s five-part definition of British values is:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Democracy
Democracy forms an important part of life at Millbrook Primary School.
We have an active School Council who meet regularly to discuss issues in the school. We are in a privileged position that our school building is used as a polling station for elections, giving us the opportunity to gain some understanding of how voting works. We hold consultation meetings which work with the school and wider community. In addition, we have a weekly newsletter to communicate with our families and a website with access to school policies.
The rule of law
As part of our teaching of our Discovery Curriculum, we learn about British and international History, and how some countries are run. We learn about rules in sport/games as part of our PE lessons and have visits from the police and fire brigade to learn about rules in our community. In addition, at the start of each academic year all classes from years 1 -6 complete a British unit which covers the rule of law as well as how our democratic system works.
We have a statement of values and systems and a policy for discipline and behaviour, sanctions and rewards.
Individual liberty
MPS ensures every individual achieves their best through high expectations for all, which focus on confidence, creativity and care. Through our teaching of PSHE/Citizenship and we develop an understanding human and children’s rights and responsibilities.
Mutual respect
This is an integral aspect of life at Millbrook Primary School. We expect our learners to be respectful, confident and positive individuals. We encourage every child to care about, and have respect for, their learning, each other and our environment. By being socially and emotionally intelligent, understanding about themselves and each other, our children will make the right choices and experience positive relationships now and in the future.
Our phase assembly Collective Worship follows themes, that have recently included care, citizenship, charity, pupil voice, celebration, festivals, safety (including e-safety) and personal development (PSHE).
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Not only do we demonstrate tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs, we positively embrace them. This forms a cornerstone of the Millbrook Primary Schoo community and we are proud to demonstrate the inclusivity of Herts schools. We teach children the values of their own opinions as well as those of others and demonstrate this through weekly performance assemblies where classes present on a variety of diverse topics to their peers, school staff, parents and governors. Examples of this include taking pupils out on educational visits to different places of worship, and following the Herts Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education that educates pupils about all the main belief systems in the UK.
If you would like to find out more information please contact:
Peter Hilton
Head teacher