At CCHSG we recognise that it is our duty is to ensure that all our students are fully prepared for life both in and outside school. SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education) is about the principles, core values and attitudes students are encouraged to hold towards learning, knowledge and society. SMSC is woven into our curriculum. Teaching staff plan opportunities for students to reflect on their SMSC learning. SMSC is highlighted at every opportunity, for example, through the assembly programme, use of tutor time, our curriculum and our Student Voice group.
At CCHSG we encourage our students to develop positive attitudes and beliefs by being given opportunities to:
- Develop spiritual values and reasoned personal and moral values
- Consider the diverse nature of society, developing their understanding and respect for those with different religions, beliefs and ways of life
- Value everyone equally
- Develop personal relationships, based on trust, self-esteem and mutual respect
- Become active, responsible citizens in a democratic society
- Develop an appreciation of human achievements and aspirations
- Develop an understanding of the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups, nations and the environment
A clear focus on social interactions enables students to become conscientious participants in their family, class, school, as well as the local and wider community. Alongside this there should be an understanding of the positive, satisfying elements of belonging to a group or society along with the demands, obligations and compromises such membership requires. At CCHSG we celebrate difference and actively promote tolerance and respect of all, regardless of sexual orientation, race or religion. We aim to encourage social development by providing opportunities for students to:
- Develop oracy skills through student led activities like class discussions or co-curricular clubs like Debating, Philosophy and Amnesty Clubs
- Learn collaboratively in lessons, using and assisting fellow learners on their own personal learning journey
- Have greater awareness of potential dangers and how we can support members of our community in such circumstances, like social media and how to use it critically
- Engage in clubs or wider school leadership positions where community voices can be heard, like Student Voice or the Head Student Team
Students are encouraged to understand the need for a common code and to follow it from conviction rather than because of sanctions or consequences. From this basis students may develop the ability to make judgements and to become increasingly responsible for their own actions and behaviour. Moral development is encouraged through activities such as:
- Asking and answering moral questions
- Studying texts and exploring moral dilemmas that characters face
- Using weekly assemblies and tutor sessions to explore big questions in a collaborative way using Votes for Schools
This relates to the search for individual identity and the meaning and purpose of our existence. It leads towards the understanding of self and others. It concerns feelings, emotions, attitudes and beliefs. It is not linked to any particular doctrine or faith and spiritual development is therefore accessible to everyone. At CCHSG spiritual development may be encouraged, for example, through;
- Allowing time for personal reflection during PSHCE, lesson time or at the end of a formal assembly
- Studying the concept of identity
- Exploring different beliefs & faiths
- Engaging with visual arts, drama, music and dance and the beliefs and values of different cultures that they often represent.
At the heart of cultural development lies the necessity to develop a sense of personal identity, whilst at the same time acquiring awareness, understanding and tolerance regarding the cultural traditions, background and beliefs of others. At CCHSG we promote cultural capital in a variety of ways such as:
- Celebrating the cultural differences in our community as seen in the Evening of Languages
- Having a curriculum that embraces trips and visits to museums, theatres, sites of cultural interest or foreign travel to broaden the outlook and experience of our students
- Fostering European links with partner schools through language trips and exchange visits.
British Values
In addition to developing Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural opportunities for students, we also ensure that the British Values of democracy, the rules of law, individual liberty and respect/tolerance permeate the work of CCHSG.