SMSC at Shapwick School
Defining spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Explore beliefs and experience; respect values; discover oneself and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
Recognise right and wrong; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
Use social skills in different contexts; work well with others; resolve conflicts; understand how communities work.
Appreciate cultural influences; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
Each week Tutor time has a theme which is linked to that weeks Assembly theme. Each half term the theme links to one of the six schools core values, the rest of the half term topics are covered that link to the core values. Topics cover an extensive range of subjects which develop students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding, including politics, media and religion. Information is presented without bias, challenging students to discuss and debate issues taking place across the world as well as in Britain. They develop a balanced point of view and empathy for those in the wider and local environment.
Assemblies at Shapwick School foster a sense of enquiry and interest in a range of religious, spiritual, moral, social, cultural and wider life issues, and provide clear guidance on what is right and wrong. They link to identified key themes for each term for the assemblies and tutor based activities. Each week offers the opportunity of a public platform to encourage and celebrate individual and collective successes. There is also the opportunity for collective worship and reflection on the beliefs and values of mainly Christian and other world faiths.
Engaging with the local community
Visiting speakers to School enable our students to gain first-hand knowledge of charities and people within the local community.
Celebrations open to the public:
Our Christmas Carol Service, Tea Party for the local community and the school plays are open to members of the public to attend, forging social and community engagement.
Our Enrichment programme provides extra-curricular activities designed to be fun and enhance our students’ experience. Our students extend their learning beyond that of the standard curriculum in an environment that caters for and challenges all. They develop a range of essential skills that will help them become active, enterprising and well-rounded individuals. Students take part in an activity every night, these can range from Street Dance Club, Art, Anti Bullying Ambassadors.
Student Leadership is important within Shapwick and students are encouraged to put themselves forward for a number of different roles. These are School Council, Food Focus Group, Head of School, House Captains, Prefects and Mentors. Our young people are empowered to give their opinions and suggestions on School life in an open, democratic, secure and constructive way.
The curriculum for Religious Education is broad and well-balanced, promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students, and helping to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Our RE themes involve respect, self-esteem, appreciation and wonder and open-mindedness. We offer a balanced approach to students’ religious education which is broadly Christian, but encompasses all major faiths.
- One’s own beliefs, values and traditions.
- Those that have different beliefs and customs.
- The rights of others to hold their own views without embarrassment, ridicule and intimidation.
- Caring for each other, the environment and the needs and concerns of others.
- Affirming the uniqueness of each person.
- Developing a mature sense of self-worth and value.
- Developing the confidence to ask important questions of meaning.
- Developing the ability to reflect.
Appreciation and Wonder
- Developing a personal interest in ultimate questions.
- The desire to search for the meaning of life.
- Developing a sense of awe, wonder and appreciation.
- Willingness to ask questions and to explore.
- Curiosity and a desire to seek after the truth.
- Understanding the importance of commitment to a set of values by which to live.
- Willingness to develop a positive approach to life.
- The ability to learn, while living with certainty and uncertainty.
- Listening to the views of others without prejudging the response.
- Careful consideration of the views of others.
- Willingness to consider evidence and argument.
- Readiness to look beyond superficial impressions or stereotypes.
- Being prepared to reconsider existing views.
Other Examples of SMSC Provision
- Opportunities to participate in theatre visits and sporting events.
- House system which encourages healthy competition between students and staff.
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and the opportunity to attend The Cadet Force.