Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Learning

Spiritual Development

Children’s spiritual development involves the 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. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes to foster their own inner lives and non-material well-being.

Faith leaders from the local community lead Wednesday assemblies
Our School Council leads the school in showing care and empathy for others and enable individuals to respond through fundraising for many good causes
Assemblies which encourage reflection on their own and others beliefs and offer a sense of enjoyment and wonder in learning about themselves and others
Two minutes of silence at 11.00am on Remembrance Day reminds us all of sacrifices made by many brave service men and women from many nations
Y6 join Woodbridge veterans at the Act of Remembrance in the town centre as a civic duty
Use of the C of E “Values for Life” assembly file for themes and ideas which include: Courage, Trust, Creativity, Justice, Forgiveness, Peace, Humility, Truth, Thankfulness, Compassion, Friendship and Perseverance
Christmas Carol Concert celebrates the Christian story and the secular fun
Easter meditation at St Johns Church enables us to learn about the most important teaching of the Christian faith
Class learning topics include Y1 Christianity and Judaism, Y2 Sikhism, Y3 Christianity and Islam, Y4 Islam, Y5 Creationism and Islam and Y6 Judaism, Islam and Christianity
Local churches school singing projects eg. One Christmas, Waiting for Christmas, 4 un 2 Us

Philosophy lessons encourage children to question and discuss, learn how to agree with and/or challenge another’s view and learn that there are no wrong answers.

Moral Development

Children’s moral development involves acquiring an understanding of the difference between right and wrong and of moral conflict, a concern for others and the will to do what’s right. They are able and willing to reflect on the consequences of their actions and learn how to forgive themselves and others. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes to make responsible moral decisions and to act on them.

Food topics help us to learn about local and sustainable food and farming
Our two school vegetable gardens enable us to grow healthy food in a healthy way eg. Garden Gang
Our Eco Action Team leads the school to a deeper understanding of the effect we have on our local, national and global environment and ways to conserve it
Our Behaviour Policy is consistently promoted by staff and children and from it
Each class sets its own rules to ensure classrooms are happy, safe and nurturing for everyone
Whole school and class assemblies create time and space to reflect on a range of values for life that guide our thinking and behaviour
PSHE and Philosophy lessons include debate of moral concepts and values, current affairs and situations in which universal moral codes are breached eg. issues of discrimination
Y6 take part in the Crucial Crew Life Skills Programme
Y5 and Y6 Newsround and current affairs topics
Our School Council lead in responding to world disasters and community needs
NSPCC/Childline workshops inform and protect
Images in posters, classroom displays, screensavers and exhibitions reinforce the school’s values

The quality of relationships and interactions between all staff, model to the whole school family the principles of integrity, truth, fairness, respect and courtesy.

Social Development

Children’s social development involves 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 for the common good. They display a sense of belonging and an increasing willingness to participate. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes to make an active contribution to the democratic process in each of their communities.

Our school ethos is underpinned by teaching all children to respect and appreciate difference in our socially diverse school community
Our School Council and Eco Action Team are democratically elected by their peers twice each year to develop community life
Both Councils, Learning Ambassadors and class monitors develop leadership skills and responsibility
Y6 engage with the wider community by hosting a Christmas Mince Pie Party for local elderly and also tutor local elderly who wish to learn more about computers and become “silver surfers”. Other children visit local care homes and entertain residents with musical performances throughout the year
Inter school sporting fixtures and tournaments enable teams to hone their physical skills, co-operate and deal with success and failure
“Chatty Chums” provides opportunities to develop emotional resilience and social skills
Year 6 plan and organise a variety of clubs for younger children and act as play leaders, play buddies and reading buddies
“Friendship Club” creates fun lunchtime play for children who find making friends a bit difficult
Mindfulness and yoga teach children how to enjoy being in the moment, to control their reactions and to develop concentration techniques
Friday Class Assemblies for parents followed by class time with their own child to develop academic or life skills, provides a helpful conceptual and linguistic framework
PSHE and Citizenship lessons make links with the world of work, social issues and the wider community
Philosophy lessons teach the language of debate and how to agree or disagree with a view and how to resolve conflict

Regular musical productions for each year group enable children to co-operate and enjoy being part of a quality project from start to completion.

Cultural Development

Children’s cultural development involves acquiring an understanding of cultural traditions and the ability to appreciate and respond to a variety of aesthetic experiences. They learn a respect for their own culture and that of others, an interest in others’ way of doing things and curiosity about differences. They develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, qualities and attitudes to understand, appreciate and contribute to culture.

The children celebrate a variety of faith festivals eg. Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Hannukah, Chinese New Year and Diwali
All children regularly sing a variety of worship song, songs from a range of cultural traditions and learn about a wide variety of music and composers
A range of Literature, art and dance from a variety of cultural backgrounds encourages children to reflect on their significance and celebrate diversity
Class RE learning develops knowledge, cultural imagery and language about family, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Creationism, Communities
Visits to places of cultural interest and visitors to school that extend cultural awareness are regular features
Theme weeks – South Africa, China, international events, eg. Commonwealth Games, Olympics & Paralympics provide authentic platforms to explore cultural values
Focus days – enable debate and discussion to address discrimination eg. dyslexia, bullying current affairs
PSHE, Citizenship and History lessons in Yrs 5 and 6 teach the rule of law in Britain and the democratic parliamentary system that has shaped our history and national identity
The school’s cultural values are reinforced through class displays, posters and exhibitions