SMSC in PSHE

At St Mary’s C of E Primary School, PSHE plays a central role in promoting pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development, in line with our Christian ethos and core values of Thankfulness, Community, Compassion, Truthfulness, Courage and Forgiveness.  Through carefully planned lessons and a whole-school approach, pupils are given the opportunity to:

Spiritual Development

• Explore their own beliefs, values, and feelings.

• Reflect on life’s big questions and develop a sense of awe, wonder, and empathy.

• Appreciate their uniqueness and the uniqueness of others as individuals made in the image of God.

• Develop mindfulness and emotional awareness as part of our Growth Mindset and wellbeing approach.

Moral Development

• Learn to recognise right and wrong and understand the consequences of their actions.

• Explore moral dilemmas and ethical issues, including those related to relationships, health, and digital behaviour.

• Develop integrity, honesty and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

• Understand and apply the principles of fairness, justice, forgiveness, and truthfulness.

Social Development

• Build healthy, respectful relationships with others, including peers, adults, and the wider community.

• Develop communication, collaboration and teamwork skills.

• Explore responsibilities and roles within family, school and society.

• Contribute to community and charity initiatives, developing a sense of service and stewardship.

Cultural Development

• Explore and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including different cultures, religions, and traditions.

• Learn to respect and value differences while finding common ground.

• Engage with British Values and understand their importance in modern society.

• Understand the wider world and their role within a global community.

SMSC is embedded not only in PSHE lessons but also in collective worship, enrichment activities, themed days and weeks and the everyday life of the school. Our aim is to develop thoughtful, kind and reflective individuals who are equipped to live with dignity, compassion and confidence in a diverse and changing world.