SMSC

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of students is the core of students personal development which transcends all areas of student experience at Kingsdown School. SMSC is essential to helping our students developing a strong sense of self and an awareness of their place in society. It helps our students develop into well-rounded, thoughtful, and respectful individuals. Though the curriculum, enrichment and culture of the school our students are given the opportunities to explore and develop their values, beliefs and own moral compass. Moreover it helps them develop connections with others and can help promote social cohesion and understanding and can contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of our students.

Spiritual

Is intentionally designed to develop our students spiritually through our BEAT of Respect and virtue of kindness which encourages those core values which all religious and non-religious views agree. Our BEAT of challenge encourages our students to be curious.

All teachers deliver with passion for their subject and try to instil a sense of awe and wonder with their students. In RS and PD students are able to reflect on different beliefs and views as well as their own. In English and history students look at different perspectives and develop a sense of empathy. The arts of music, drama and art as well as DT encourages students to develop and use their imagination and creativity.

  Students have regular assemblies which focus on a range of religious and non-religious views including religious festivals and virtues of kindness. The tutor programme also allows for further discussion of these themes shared in assemblies. Clubs such as drama and creative writing as well as trips to galleries and museums helps develop student imagination and creativity. Our Book Your Future program through tutor time explores different literature and explores emotions and feelings.

Moral

Is intentionally designed to help our students develop their moral character. The BEATs of Respect, Responsibility and Ambition have the moral messages, being the best version of yourself, respecting others and not letting the side down. Virtues of Kindness, honesty, connection and gratitude are taught, caught and sought to help students develop their character and moral compass. As a school moving to being Rights Respecting School- there is a constant focus on students rights, the respect for others rights and our students wrote and all students signed up to our school charter for the classroom and corridor.

In lessons all students are expected to follow STAR to engage with others and their learning. These and pro-social behaviours are explicitly taught. Subjects such as PD, History, RS, drama and English focus on moral and ethical choices and explore the concepts of right and wrong. In science, business studies, DT, sport studies and health and social care ethical discussions happen around the practical application of ethics in those fields. In PE students are taught and encouraged to win and lose well, to treat others with respect. In PD including citizenship students are taught explicitly about civil and criminal law.

Assemblies have key moral or ethical messages - in particular linking to key events, UN global goals, UNICEF as well as linking to pro-social behaviours. Rights education though assemblies and tutor activities develop an understanding of student rights and the respect of these. Our peer educators write, train others and teach students about the BEATs and their rights. Students in years 9, 10 and 11 have the opportunity to be prefects who are the role models of the school.

Social

Is intentionally designed to foster connection STAR encourages connection between others in lessons, appreciation of others ideas, and respect for one another. The Virtue of Connection focuses on the importance of connection for humans and how we can do this. Respectful conversations is part of our focus on the BEAT of Respect as well as Pro-social behaviours, this is explicitly taught, caught and sought. Our BEAT of Responsibility - reminds student that they are part of something special. The House system ( our houses Atlas, Barbary, Mosbach and Nubian) provide a sense of community and connection allowing participation and cooperation whilst in competition.

In all lessons students are encouraged to share ideas and listen respectfully to the ideas of others, to work collaboratively and demonstrate teamwork. In the PD curriculum students develop an understanding of relationships and along with Geography and RS look at the world around us. In PE students look at a range of skills in working with others including sports leadership, and in Drama, PE, French, History and Art students are encouraged to work with each other and in groups. In careers lessons as well as across subjects employability skills such as teamwork, problem solving, leadership, presentation and creative skills

Students have house assemblies which are a bi-weekly focus on connection and competition for example their charity competition of toy appeal and food bank collections. House captains (students in years 10 and 11) lead the connection between students in houses. Further student leadership opportunities such as charity groups, sports leaders and transition ambassadors focus on the importance of connection. Our Head students lead the student body including the school and year councils which allow for student voice to be heard. The Enrichment program allows students to socialise both at lunchtime and after school in a variety of clubs. They are able to compete in sports fixtures with other schools. We also offer both Bronze and Silver DofE which includes volunteering opportunities with over 70 students participating this year.

Cultural

Is intentionally designed to respect and celebrate different cultures and traditions. The BEAT of stretch encourages students to learn more and the education of different cultures is and important part of of focus. As a Rights Respecting school students learn about the rights of others this includes looking at how rights affect people across the world and in different cultures. The BEAT of respect as well as Article 2 leads to a focus on non-discrimination where students not only learn but are encourage to put into practice how this right needs to be respected including protected characteristics.

There are many opportunities to explore different cultures. In English and Drama different texts are used to help students understand different cultures and backgrounds. Music, and Drama allows students access a range of material from different cultures, genres and styles. In History, Geography, RS and French students students explore other cultures. DT Food explores culinary traditions of other cultures and in Art students study the work of artists from around the world, exploring the cultural context of artists and their work. Through PD students study the importance of diversity and the need for kindness and respect of difference including protected characteristics.

Assemblies ensure a regular focus on celebrations, and links to diversity and the respect for protected characteristics. Tutor time activities have a regular focus on range of different cultural events. This is supported with Drop down mornings which give students the opportunity to explore STEM, sporting competitions and art, as well as the culture days for KS3. Our extra -curricular offer includes a range of different cultural opportunities from sport, to music, drama and D&D this is supported by trips and visits include to sporting events, theatre and music performances. We also have student leadership opportunities though our champions of change group which works on celebration and education of EDI.

Fundamental British Values