At Westvale Park Primary Academy, we are deeply committed to creating an ethos that nurtures every child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This forms a vital part of our curriculum and underpins the character and values of our school community.

Through our broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum, we aim to inspire children to become thoughtful, responsible and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to society and are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

How We Promote SMSC Development

SMSC is woven through every aspect of school life. It is developed through:
• a curriculum that motivates, challenges and empowers all pupils
• a strong focus in assemblies, where themes of respect, resilience and reflection are explored
• extra-curricular activities that promote teamwork, creativity and perseverance
• pupil voice and leadership roles, giving children a sense of agency and belonging
• an ethos that values integrity, compassion and tolerance, building self-esteem and respect for others
• active partnerships between pupils, parents, staff, governors, local community groups and external organisations, broadening pupils’ understanding of the wider world.

We are committed to providing opportunities for children to:
• explore a range of social, spiritual and cultural experiences
• distinguish between right and wrong and discuss moral issues
• develop and articulate their own attitudes and values
• take responsibility for their actions and decisions
• understand social responsibilities and citizenship
• celebrate diversity and respect difference in all its forms.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual development at Westvale Park encourages pupils to reflect on their beliefs and values, to develop curiosity and wonder, and to find meaning and purpose in their experiences.

Children are supported to:
• develop personal values that guide their actions and relationships
• reflect on life’s deeper questions and the world around them
• explore what inspires them and gives their lives meaning.

This is achieved through our Wellbeing and Religious Education curriculum, and through assemblies designed to encourage thought, reflection and empathy. Lessons help pupils to understand their own and others’ beliefs, fostering respect, tolerance and appreciation of diversity. Opportunities for spiritual growth are also embedded across the curriculum through art, music, drama, literature, science and outdoor learning.

Moral Development

Moral development helps pupils to understand the principles of right and wrong, to recognise the consequences of their actions and to value honesty, fairness and respect.

We encourage pupils to:
• express and justify their moral viewpoints
• listen to and respect others’ perspectives
• resolve disagreements respectfully and thoughtfully
• apply moral reasoning to real-life situations, including global and environmental issues.

At Westvale Park, key moral values such as integrity, kindness, self-respect, truthfulness, respect for the environment and appreciation of others are modelled and celebrated. Pupils learn the importance of empathy, responsibility and making positive choices, both in and beyond the classroom.

Social Development

Through social development, pupils learn to understand themselves as individuals within a community, developing the skills needed to work, play and live alongside others.

Our school encourages this by:
• fostering teamwork and collaboration in lessons and extra-curricular activities
• using our ‘5 Peg Chart’ behaviour approach to promote self-regulation and reflection
• embedding our PSHE programme (Well-being and Behaviour Curriculums) to teach empathy, responsibility and resilience
• recognising and celebrating positive behaviour, effort and achievement
• offering enrichment opportunities, leadership roles and community involvement
• encouraging participation in charity work, assemblies and events that promote cooperation and shared responsibility.

Effective communication between home and school ensures a consistent approach to supporting pupils’ social development, wellbeing and success.

Cultural Development

Cultural development at Westvale Park enables pupils to appreciate the richness and diversity of their own and others’ cultures. Pupils learn about the beliefs, values and traditions that shape societies and are encouraged to take pride in their own heritage while developing understanding and respect for others.

We promote cultural awareness by:
• providing a curriculum that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism
• marking significant cultural and religious festivals throughout the year
• organising our annual ‘International Day’ to celebrate global cultures
• exploring the arts, music, literature and traditions of different communities
• ensuring that teaching avoids cultural bias and promotes inclusion and equality.

Pupils gain the knowledge and confidence to appreciate cultural interdependence and to see themselves as part of a global society.

Promoting Fundamental British Values

Westvale Park Primary Academy actively promotes the fundamental British values of:
• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

These values are at the heart of our ethos and are promoted through our curriculum, assemblies, pupil leadership, restorative practices and community engagement. Pupils learn that everyone living in England is subject to its laws and that respect for democracy, civil and criminal law, and equality underpins our society.

Our provision for SMSC and British Values includes:
• pupil voice through Pupil Parliament and Eco Council
• ‘Worry Monsters’ to help children share concerns safely
• wellbeing lessons and floor books that prompt reflection and discussion
• assemblies linked to topical issues, national events and global awareness
• celebration of values through ‘Values Superstar of the Day’, ‘Bucket Fillers’ and ‘Star of the Week’
• house points that promote teamwork and a sense of belonging
• restorative approaches and emotional literacy support (ELSAs)
• charity fundraising, NSPCC events and community projects
• Forest School and outdoor learning to promote resilience and wellbeing.

Through these approaches, children develop self-knowledge, confidence and respect for others. They learn to take responsibility for their actions, contribute positively to society and value the democratic processes that uphold fairness, equality and freedom.