At The Milford Academy, we recognise that social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is central to the education of all pupils. It is reflected in the behaviours of individuals, their interactions and also in the provision of teaching, resources and learning environments. SMSC development is taught through and reflected in all areas of the curriculum and through all aspects of school life. 

What is SMSC?

At The Milford Academy, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. We put it ‘at the heart’ of our school curriculum. It requires us to think about the kind of people we aspire to be, the kind of world we aspire to create, and the kind of education we aspire to provide.

Spiritual

• We give children the opportunity to explore values and beliefs, including religious beliefs, and the way in which they affect peoples’ lives.
• We give children the opportunity to understand human feelings and emotions, the way they affect people and how an understanding of them can be helpful.
• We encourage children to relate their learning to a wider frame of reference- for example, asking ‘why?’ ‘how?’ and ‘where?’ as well as ‘what?’

Moral

• We provide a clear moral code as a basis for behaviour which is promoted consistently through all aspects of the school through our work Milford Values.
• We promote measures to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and other criteria.
• We encourage children to take responsibility for their actions; for example, respect for property, care of the environment, and developing codes of behaviour.
• We provide models of moral development through our curriculum and embedded into our acts of Collective Worship.

Social

• We foster a sense of community, with common, inclusive values which ensure that everyone, irrespective of ethnic origin, nationality, gender, ability, sexual orientation and religion can flourish.
• We help children develop personal qualities which are valued in a society, for example, thoughtfulness, honesty, respect for difference, moral principles, independence, interdependence, self-respect.
• We provide a conceptual and linguistic framework within which to understand and debate social issues.
• We encourage children to work together cooperatively.

Cultural

• We provide opportunities for children to explore their own cultural assumptions and values.
• We present authentic accounts of the attitudes, values and traditions of diverse cultures.
• We aim to extend children’s knowledge and use of cultural imagery and language, recognising and nurturing particular gifts and talents.
• We provide opportunities for children to participate in literature, drama, music, art and craft-based activities.