COLDEAN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Learning together, inspiring each other

01273 094911

office@coldean.brighton-hove.sch.uk

  1. LEARNING
  2. SMSC

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education

At Coldean we strive to provide thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of our pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme and Religious Education Scheme of Work support our school to meet our statutory duties ‘to promote the well-being of pupils at the school’ and to ensure that we have a broad and balanced curriculum that:

  • Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school
  • Prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

Our topics help pupils develop an understanding their own social and cultural traditions as well as those of others in other parts of the world and at other times. They develop an appreciation of the diversity and richness of their own and others' cultures.

Spiritual development

Pupils' spiritual development involves the growth of their sense of self. Our Religious Education lessons support their ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life. Educational visits to religious places and engaging with visitors from a wide range of faiths encourage their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values.

Our curriculum engenders in pupils a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them through its focus on the use of imagination and creativity in their learning. Collaborative learning opportunities across the curriculum help pupils to develop a willingness to reflect on their learning and experiences.

Moral development

Pupils' moral development involves them recognising right and wrong, respecting the law and understanding consequences. Our Golden Values are central to this learning as is our promotion of 'empathy'. Golden Values Time is a discrete 20-minute session that is taught across both Key Stages. This session is a focused Circle Time where the children are actively supported to explore the school’s Golden Values and to promote the emotional literacy that underpins Coldean Primary School’s restorative approach to behaviour (see Behaviour Management Policy). It also provides opportunities for pupils to offer reasoned views about moral and ethical issues thus developing their ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is a prime area of the curriculum and therefore is always a key area of focus.

Social development

The development of social skills is central to the learning opportunities at Coldean.  Our motto is "Learning together, inspiring each other". Pupils are able to work and learn in all manner of collaborative groupings from adopting science officer roles, to solving context-based mathematical problems; competing together in House sports' competitions, to engaging in Forest School activities. They develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

Pupils acquire an understanding of the responsibilities and rights of being a member of society through:

  • our House system,
  • the development and adoption of class charters,
  • following our Golden Values, our 'Good Life' work,
  • school council
  • economic education
  • links with the local community e.g. Professor C Gull & Year 6 Mentoring Programme – University of Brighton, visits from the emergency services, visits from RSPCA
  • engaging in national and local fundraising events e.g. Children in Need, Sport Relief

Cultural development

Our pupils’ cultural development is shown by their understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and those of others. This is primarily learned through our exciting integrated topics that allow pupils to explore national curriculum objectives in fun and exciting ways. They participate in local, cultural events such as Let's Dance, the UK's largest celebration of youth dance, The Children's Parade as part of the Brighton Festival, Moulsecoomb's Heritage Festival, the annual Christmas production and numerous sporting opportunities both in school and outside.

Our curriculum fosters an interest in pupils exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity.