SMSC & British Values
The SMSC curriculum at Marden Lodge Primary School is underpinned by our whole school vision, Curriculum principles, our Thrive curriculum, British Values and the school's Star values. Our clear vision, values and principles support all children, staff, governors and community to develop effective relationships throughout the school, and provide the basis for our behaviour policy and Life skills curriculum.
Indeed, our Star Values and Marden’s Learning Behaviours – supports all learners to achieve their potential not only academically, but socially and emotionally too.
SMSC at Marden Lodge Primary School:
Below are some of the ways in which we promote SMSC throughout the school, alongside our Curriculum Principles as well as specific curriculums such as Life skills:
• The Star values are embedded in every classroom.
• Using real life contexts for learning
• Themes such as road-safety, anti-bullying, racism, kindness, relationships are addressed throughout the year through planned opportunities and are incidental when the need arises.
• Learning about the differences between us, our families, abilities, beliefs and celebrations.
• Valuing everybody equally, celebrating events from a range of different cultures.
• Celebrating multi-faith festivals and special days through music, art, visits from parents.
• Talking and learning about the people who are special to children at home and outside their home.
• Classroom environments allow for children to use their imagination and creativity through outdoor/indoor provision.
• Specially dedicated Thrive rooms and sessions, as well as whole School Thrive lessons, allowing children to use their imagination and express their emotions in a supportive way.
• Marden Lodge’s expectations, rewards and consequences – in line with our Behaviour Policy - embedded in each classroom.
• Children having a Worry Monster in every classroom where they are encouraged to put their worries inside to which the teacher responds to.
• Residential trips that encourage taking risks, encouraging motivation and being independent.
British Values at Marden Lodge Primary School:
The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Below are some additional ways in which we embed and reinforce these values across the school:
Democracy
Democracy can be seen in action at our school in many ways. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Pupil Parliament and Pupil Voice. Members of the Parliament are voted on by their classes and meet regularly throughout the year.
The Rule of Law
The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Our children are taught the value and reasons behind rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for our children so that they can make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education: for example through our E-Safety and Life Skills lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, selection of lunches, or participation in our extra-curricular clubs - pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. This is re-iterated through our Behaviour Policy and Marvellous Learning Behaviours and Star values.
Tolerance of those of Different Cultures, Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in RE and Life Skills.
At Marden Lodge Primary School, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
