SMSC development is about far more than learning the curriculum. We work hard to give all our pupils the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to progress and achieve academically, socially and emotionally. All of our teaching takes place in the context of safe and nurturing environments where each young person is known, and each individual’s learning journey is unique to them.

Here at Hedgewood School we have a strong commitment to the personal and social development of all pupils. The school vision and values, put together by all the staff, supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural characteristics in all pupils. ​

What is SMSC – Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development?

SMSC is personalised for all our pupils at Hedgewood.

Spiritual development is when we:

Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral development is when we:

Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social development is when we:

Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the ‘British values’ of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.

Cultural development is when we:

Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

In our school pupil’s SMSC development is seen for example in:

• Taking part in a range of activities regarding social skills
• Developing an awareness and respect for diversity
• Developing an understanding of right and wrong.
• Developing the communication skills to make choices about likes/dislikes in school then in wider community visits.
• Taking part in sporting opportunities.
• Taking part in cultural opportunities.
• Taking part in artistic opportunities.

SMSC is embedded throughout the curriculum at Hedgewood. This integrated approach ensures that aspects of SMSC are considered in all subject areas. The senior leadership team audits SMSC and Governors monitor it across school.

Beyond the Curriculum

We are also committed as a school to developing SMSC beyond the curriculum. This is done through:

• Arts, Music and Cultural Specialists visits to school over the year
• Assemblies give pupils an opportunity to explore aspects of SMSC
• Our supportive interventions support aspects of SMSC – Swimming,  , development of Forest school practice in the sensory garden and snseroy art shed and lunch time clubs.
• Enrichment opportunities for all our pupils where teachers plan and carry out visits linked to our curriculum topic
• Opportunities for pupils to take part in focused activity days across the school
• Whole school events such as Christmas Concert, Panthelon, Science week, Safer Internet Day and many more.