Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) is about everything we do at OBHS, to help build students own personal values, have positive relationships with others and become responsible young citizens in society. SMSC development supports students with developing kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion and enables them to live and learn alongside people with different beliefs, cultures and lifestyles. An important part of SMSC is to engage with British Values; Values of democracy, The rule of law, Individual liberty, Respect for different faiths and beliefs.

At OBHS we monitor our delivery of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural provision using SMSC Gridmaker. The software gives an overview of our whole school provision and captures a student’s learning journey whilst at OBHS. Individual lessons, schemes of learning, events and activities, guest speakers, trips, are all included to enable easy access of a whole school audit. SMSC Gridmaker provides quick and efficient mapping and evidencing of our broad and balanced curriculum.

Spiritual Development

We want our students to be reflective about their own beliefs, but also show interest and respect for the beliefs and faiths of others. We encourage pupils to reflect, not just on their own behaviour and the choices they make, but also on the skills needed to remain calm and focused on their learning.

Some assume spiritual development is about religious exploration or faith, but this is not the case – this subject is covered within Personal Development lessons. The spiritual in SMSC is concerned with developing the non-material aspects of life, focusing on personal insight, values, meaning and purpose. Beliefs that help provide perspective on life may be rooted in a religion, but equally may not. Creativity and imagination are important, as is a sense of fascination, awe and wonder.

Opportunities for Spiritual development at OBHS include:

• • Learning together to value the ideas and contributions of all young people in all subjects.
  • Providing a varied and exciting curriculum that inspires young people and makes learning enjoyable.
  • Coming together in assemblies and special events to share learning with each other and with parents and the community to reflect on our learning experiences.
  • Relevant and challenging PD (Personal Development) lessons which develop self-esteem, knowledge and the ability to reflect on, and develop, individuals’ own spiritual values.

Moral Development

The moral element is largely about choices, behaviour and how you live your life. It’s also about personal and societal values, understanding the reasons for them and airing and understanding disagreements. Sessions in Base Time, assemblies, or in lessons, might explore the consequences of decisions, other people’s needs, and ways of learning from experience. Moral development at OBHS enables students to build a framework of moral values which regulates their personal behaviour. It is also about the development of understanding of society’s shared and agreed values.

Opportunities for Moral development at OBHS include:

• • Pupils working together to discuss and agree on what they need to do to create a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for learning.
  • Opportunities in the curriculum for our pupils to offer their own points of view and to be able to listen to and value those of others.
  • In every classroom and throughout the school environment, students are encouraged to make positive behaviour choices and develop strategies to manage conflicts effectively.

Social Development

Social development shows students working together effectively, relating well to adults and participating in the local community. This element of SMSC includes a significant area of personal growth, ranging from engagement with society’s institutions to the skills for successful personal relationships.

Opportunities for Social development at OBHS include:

• • Making a positive contribution to the community through fund raising, volunteering and engagement in community projects e.g. The Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Supporting students to develop the skills needed for living in a democracy through activities such as elections for the School Council.

Cultural Development

Cultural development is about understanding and feeling comfortable in a variety of cultures. Students experience this through art, theatre and travel. Valuing cultural diversity and challenging racism is important. Our curriculum allows students the opportunity to learn all about different lifestyles, backgrounds and beliefs other young people have.

Opportunities for Cultural development include:

• • Providing opportunities in the curriculum for students to visit places of worship / visiting speakers and share their beliefs with others.
  • Enabling students to enjoy and appreciate a variety of artistic, musical and cultural experiences, including drama, music, singing, choir and sport.