SMSC and British Values

What is SMSC?

SMSC is the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the children in our school. This is not a separate subject that is taught explicitly but an aspect of learning that should be present in lessons and behaviour throughout the school. Some lessons lend themselves more easily to direct SMSC development such as PSHE and RE. We also aim to develop SMSC through worship, behaviour expectations and our attitudes in school. Details of how we embed SMSC in each subject can be found here.

How we embed British Values at Keston

Democracy 

Pupil voice is significant at Keston CE Primary. Our pupil elected School council and head pupils play a strong role in our School. They are elected by their class peers (whole school for head pupils) and are involved in making the School a better place to learn. The pupil’s voice is also heard through pupil conferencing and through pupil questionnaires. We know that the formation of the School council and the active participation of our pupils will sow the seeds for a more sophisticated understanding of democracy in the future. 

The Rule of Law 

Our pupils will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our pupils to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the School the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to. 

This understanding of the importance of rules will be consistently reinforced through assemblies, in classes, around the school and through our curriculum. The involvement of our pupils in the creation of the school rules and values helps them to understand the reasons behind the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Through circle times, we allow opportunity to debate and discuss the reasons for laws so that children can recognise the importance of these for their own protection. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community including the police, the RNLI, The Royal British Legion, the fire brigade and many more. We believe that clear explanations and real life stories emphasise the importance of the rule of law for our pupils. 

Opportunities for children to take more responsibility around the school are encouraged and such roles as ‘Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTA), House Captains and School Council Representatives are available 

Individual Liberty 

We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged and valued. Pupils are given the freedom to make a variety of meaningful choices, such as; choosing a pupil initiated activity in EYFS and KS1 to making more informed choices in Year 6. These choices in Year 6 include choosing which additional jobs they would like to volunteer for e.g. helping on the KS1 playground at lunchtime as Sport’s leaders, Worship Committee or even looking after the chickens. All Year 6 pupils help in supporting new children to settle into class through our Buddy system.  

We offer a range of clubs which pupils have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests and skills. Through our E- Safety days, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely. In weekly circle times, daily wellbeing and PSHE lessons, all children are encouraged to share their feelings in a safe way. Children take responsibility as Play Leaders to help support younger children to develop play skills and resolve conflicts and repair relationships. Play Leaders are available every lunchtime for children and offer a safe place for discussions about any playtime issues that may have arisen; it is at these meetings that the children’s voices can be heard and the children themselves will decide on an appropriate resolution. 

At Keston CE Primary we believe that valuing choice and freedom in daily school life will foster a value for individual liberty as the children embark upon their adult lives. Pupils also take part in an annual service of Remembrance at the Keston Memorial to recognise the sacrifice made by so many to protect our liberty. 

School Council members are invited to lay the wreath to represent the school. Both parents and members of Keston Parish Church and the Royal British Legion also attend this service. 

Mutual respect 

Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. The children learn to treat each other and staff with great respect. This is evident when walking around the school and in the classrooms. Children are encouraged to showcase their work on their class displays and through the school’s Instagram platform and regularly contribute respectful comments about the work of others. Each class draws up a set of class rules or a class agreement each year and use this to set the tone for the level of respect that is expected throughout the year. Through Equality and Diversity Days, E-Safety Days and Anti- Bullying week, the children are taught to value differences in themselves and others and most importantly to show respect to all. As mentioned previously, Peer mediator meetings facilitate opportunities for children to show 

respect to each other’s beliefs, feelings and opinions by given each child a forum to share these on and an expectation that these must be listened to. 

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

Keston CE Primary follows the Understanding Christianity Scheme and each year group also studies one of the main religions and are taught respect and understanding for the cultures, beliefs, opinions and traditions or others. Daily worship assemblies also help to contribute to the knowledge of special occasions, beliefs and customs. Additionally, Equality and Diversity Days give children the opportunity to enhance their understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future. We use opportunities such as current news and events from around the world to help the children study and learn about life and cultures in different countries. As part of our Geography curriculum we look at a different country that is in the news each week and find out why.  

We will actively challenge any pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views.