Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Definition:

We aim to develop our students’:

Spiritual: our students’ growth of their sense of self, their unique potential, their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and their will to achieve. As their curiosity about themselves and their place in the world increases, they try to answer for themselves some of life's fundamental questions. 

• Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life 
• Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values 
• Sense of enjoyment an being curious in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.

Use of imagination and creativity in their learning and a willingness to reflect on their experiences. 

Moral: our students acquiring an understanding of the difference between right and wrong and of moral conflict, a concern for others and the will to do what is right. They will be able and willing to reflect on the consequences of their actions and learn how to forgive themselves and others. They develop the knowledge, skills and understanding, qualities and attitudes they need in order to make responsible moral decisions and act on them.

• Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives.
• Recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England such as the Equality Act
• Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions 
• Understand and respect the public institutions and services in the England and beyond for example, police/army compared to the independence of the courts

Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues. 

Social: our students acquiring an understanding of the responsibilities and rights of being members of families and communities (local, national and global), and an ability to relate to others and to work with others for the common good. They display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingness to participate. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes they need to make an active contribution to the democratic process in their communities.

• Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other students, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Understanding of and how to combat discrimination in all its forms, including but not limited to, sexism.
• Willingness and initiative to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively 

Acceptance of 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.

Cultural: Student’s cultural development involves them acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and an ability to appreciate and respond to a variety of aesthetic experiences. They will acquire a respect for their own culture and that of others, an interest in others' ways of doing things and a curiosity about differences. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes they need to understand, appreciate and contribute to the academy culture and ethos.  

• Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others 
• Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the academy and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain 
• Ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities 
• Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain 
• Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities 

Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.