British Values & SMSC
The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
At Lyng, children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted and encouraged across all curriculum areas. Explicit opportunities to promote pupils' development in these areas also arise in Religious Education and PHSE (personal, health, social, emotional education). The school's ethos of 'learning and growing together' also provides significant contributions for children to develop in SMSC by: establishing effective relationships throughout the school, promoting British Values in the school community, and holding a range of extra-curricular days with external organisations.
Spiritual development
Pupils’ spiritual development is shown by their:
- Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people's faiths, feelings and values.
- Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them. School trips ensure that children have the opportunity to try new things for example: KS1 trip to Western-Super-Mare to experience a beach and EYFS to the Snowdome to play in the snow.
- Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and their willingness to reflect on their experiences. This is seen in by the use of creative resources throughout the curriculum,
- Children are encouraged to use higher order thinking skills; analysing texts, artefacts and resources. We also have regular visits from theatre groups and Playhouse Drama Company to broaden children's experiences and imagination.
Moral development
Pupils’ moral development is shown by their:
- Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong readily apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England. Children take part in an annual 'Britishness day', where they develop their understanding of British Values (including democracy).
- Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions. Lyng children have a secure understanding of their behaviour and the effects it has on their learning; following the rules of the 'Buddy Board' behaviour system.
- Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues. Year 5 and 6 take part in 'Safeguarding Day', participating in sessions with DECCA (drug advice service) and the police.
Social development
Pupils’ social development is shown by their:
- Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Annual events including 'fun day', sports day, residential trips (Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6) provide children with these opportunities.
- Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively, Children have the opportunity to: visit our local TESCO branch to complete the 'farm to folk' challenge (Y1-Y6); sing carols to local elderly residents (upper KS2); appreciate a range of musical backgrounds (Sandwell Music Service).
- Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain. EYFS-Y6 participate in 'Britishness Day' and the school holds non-uniform days to acknowledge and recognise the days of the Saints, Red Nose Day and Comic Relief.
Cultural development
Pupils’ cultural development is shown by their:
- Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others. Children in all key stages are given the opportunity to watch live performances from theatre groups both in school and on visits to local theatres (Birmingham's Old Rep).
- Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain. Lyng children take pride in their background, with multi-culturalism being actively promoted and celebrated around school. Children from Y3-Y6 also learn Spanish and develop an understanding of Spanish speaking countries and their differing cultures and traditions.
- Knowledge of Britain's democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain. Through SMSC, children develop an age-appropriate understanding of parliament. Children in KS1 and KS2 experience election processes by voting for School Council representatives and team captains.
- Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities; a developing link with a local NHS funded project has encouraged children to appreciate more abstract art. KS2 have created an installation to be displayed at a hospital, which treats patients with dementia. They are also given the opportunity in Y5 to take part in a residential trip to Ingestre Hall and develop their skills in the creative arts.
