SMSC
SMSC – Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
Pupils who are developing spiritually are likely to be developing some or all of the following characteristics:
a set of values, principles and beliefs, which may or may not be religious, which inform their perspective on life and their patterns of behaviour
an awareness and understanding of their own and others' beliefs
a respect for themselves and for others
a sense of empathy with others, concern and compassion
an increasing ability to reflect and learn from this reflection
an ability to show courage and persistence in defence of their aims, values, principles and beliefs
a readiness to challenge all that would constrain the human spirit: for example, poverty of aspiration, lack of self-confidence and belief, moral neutrality or indifference, force, fanaticism, aggression, greed, injustice, narrowness of vision, self-interest, sexism, racism and other forms of discrimination
an appreciation of the intangible - for example, beauty, truth, love, goodness, order - as well as for mystery, paradox and ambiguity
a respect for insight as well as for knowledge and reason
an expressive and/or creative impulse
an ability to think in terms of the whole' -for example, concepts such as harmony, interdependence, scale, perspective
an understanding of feelings and emotions, and their likely impact.
Pupils who are becoming morally aware are likely to be developing some or all of the following characteristics:
an ability to distinguish right from wrong, based on a knowledge of the moral codes of their own and other cultures
a confidence to act consistently in accordance with their own principles
an ability to think through the consequences of their own and others' actions
a willingness to express their views on ethical issues and personal values
an ability to make responsible and reasoned judgements on moral dilemmas
a commitment to personal values in areas which are considered right by some and wrong by others
a considerate style of life
a respect for others' needs, interests and feelings, as well as their own
a desire to explore their own and others' views
an understanding of the need to review and reassess their values, codes and principles in the light of experience.
Pupils who are becoming socially aware are likely to be developing the ability to:
adjust to a range of social contexts by appropriate and sensitive behaviour
relate well to other people's social skills and personal qualities
work, successfully, as a member of a group or team challenge, when necessary and in appropriate ways, the values of a group or wider community
share views and opinions with others, and work towards consensus
resolve conflicts and counter forces which militate against inclusion and unity
reflect on their own contribution to society and to the world of work
show respect for people, living things, property and the environment
benefit from advice offered by those in authority or counselling roles
exercise responsibility
appreciate the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the wider social setting
understand how societies function and are organised in structures such as the family, the school and local and wider communities
participate in activities relevant to the community
understand the notion of interdependence in an increasingly complex society
Pupils who are becoming culturally aware are likely to be developing some or all of the following characteristics:
an ability to recognise and understand their own cultural assumptions and values
an understanding of the influences which have shaped their own cultural heritage
an understanding of the dynamic, evolutionary nature of cultures
an ability to appreciate cultural diversity and accord dignity and respect to other people's values and beliefs, thereby
challenging racism and valuing race equality
an openness to new ideas and a willingness to modify cultural values in the light of experience
an ability to use language and understand images/icons - for example, in music, art, literature - which have significance and meaning in a culture
a willingness to participate in, and respond to, artistic and cultural enterprises
a sense of personal enrichment through encounter with cultural media and traditions from a range of cultures
a regard for the heights of human achievement in all cultures and societies
an appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of cultures.