Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At Our Lady’s RC Primary School, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is central to our mission.

Rooted in our Catholic faith, we nurture the whole child — guiding pupils to grow spiritually, act morally, contribute socially and appreciate cultural diversity.

SMSC is embedded in our curriculum, leadership opportunities and daily school life.

Spiritual Development

As a Catholic school, spiritual development is at the heart of who we are.

We provide opportunities for pupils to:

• Participate in daily prayer and collective worship
• Attend Mass and liturgical celebrations
• Use our dedicated prayer and reflection space
• Engage in spontaneous and guided prayer
• Experience moments of quiet reflection and meditation
• Explore awe and wonder in RE, science, nature and the arts

Examples in action:

• Class-led worship linked to Gospel themes
• Advent and Lent reflections
• Prayer partners across year groups
• Reflection journals or quiet thinking time
• Use of calm music and candle-lit prayer focus

Children are encouraged to reflect on their beliefs, values and purpose while respecting the faith and beliefs of others.

Moral Development

We guide pupils to understand right from wrong and to take responsibility for their actions.

This is developed through:

• Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching
• Restorative conversations
• Clear behaviour expectations (Ready, Respectful, Safe)
• Mini Vinnies and charitable service
• PSHE discussions on fairness and justice

Examples in action:

• Restorative repair conversations after incidents
• Charity fundraising for local and global causes
• Discussions about moral dilemmas in RE and PSHE
• Anti-bullying week 
• Learning about justice and responsibility through scripture

Children learn about forgiveness, accountability, compassion and integrity.

Social Development

We promote positive relationships, leadership and active citizenship.

Pupils develop social responsibility through:

• School Council
• House Captains (St George, St David, St Andrew, St Patrick)
• Sports Leaders
• Reception Buddies
• Digital Leaders
• Librarians
• Mini Vinnies
• Collaborative learning tasks

Examples in action:

• School Council gathering pupil voice to improve playgrounds
• House competitions and shared celebration assemblies
• Year 6 buddies supporting Reception children
• Sports Leaders organising inclusive play activities
• Peer reading and mentoring

Children learn cooperation, empathy, leadership and teamwork.

Cultural Development

We prepare pupils for life in modern Britain while remaining rooted in our Catholic faith.

Cultural development is supported through:

• Learning about world faiths in RE
• British Values education
• Celebrating cultural and religious festivals
• Literature from diverse authors
• Music, art and creative expression
• Educational visits and enrichment experiences

Examples in action:

• Exploring Judaism, Islam and Hinduism in RE
• Celebrating Black History Month
• World Book Day and multicultural texts
• Cultural awareness assemblies
• Learning about national saints linked to our houses

Pupils learn to value diversity, challenge prejudice and respect different backgrounds and beliefs.

Our Impact

Through our SMSC provision, we see pupils who are:

• Spiritually reflective
• Morally responsible
• Socially confident
• Culturally aware
• Respectful of others

At Our Lady’s RC Primary School, we aim to form young people who live out their faith through compassion, service and integrity, ready to contribute positively to society.

British Values

At Our Lady’s RC Primary School, British Values are promoted through our Catholic ethos, curriculum and daily life. We prepare our pupils to be responsible, respectful and active members of modern Britain.

The fundamental British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

These values are woven throughout our teaching, leadership opportunities and behaviour culture.

Democracy

Pupils experience democracy through:

• School Council elections
• Voting for leadership roles
• Pupil voice surveys
• Contributing ideas to improve school life

Children learn that every voice matters and that decisions are made fairly.

The Rule of Law

We promote understanding of rules and responsibility through:

• Our clear expectations of being Ready, Respectful and Safe
• Consistent behaviour systems
• Restorative conversations
• Learning about laws in the wider community

Pupils understand that rules keep everyone safe and help us live and learn together.

Individual Liberty

We encourage pupils to:

• Make safe and responsible choices
• Express their views respectfully
• Develop confidence and independence
• Take ownership of their learning

Children are supported to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Mutual Respect

Respect is central to our school values. We promote respect through:

• Positive relationships between pupils and staff
• Peer leadership roles
• Anti-bullying education
• Restorative practice

Pupils learn to value themselves and others.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Catholic school, we celebrate diversity and promote understanding of different cultures and religions through:

• Religious Education
• Collective worship
• PSHE lessons
• Cultural celebrations and events

Children learn to appreciate differences and treat others with dignity and kindness.

Our Commitment

British Values are not taught in isolation — they are lived daily through leadership, service, behaviour expectations and curriculum experiences.

Through this approach, we prepare pupils to be confident, compassionate and responsible citizens.

Linked to Behaviour & Relationships

Linked to Personal Development & Wellbeing

SMSC and British Values are lived daily through our leadership opportunities, behaviour culture and wider curriculum