What is SMSC?

At Cornerstone Academy we are dedicated to developing the whole student.

We firmly believe in a holistic education, experience and curriculum that ensures that our students grow into responsible and positive members of the community. 

We believe that the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development of our students is a central part of our purpose, along with ensuring excellent standards in the classroom. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values, whilst recognising that those of others may differ.

Beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour including a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures are all critical skills and dispositions that we nurture, encourage and develop through our subject and wider curriculum. SMSC development is also closely linked to our United Learning core values of ambition, confidence, creativity, respect, enthusiasm and determination which underpin the ethos of our school. 

Spiritual

Explore beliefs and experience; respect values; discover oneself and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral

Recognise right and wrong; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social

Use social skills in different contexts; work well with others; resolve conflicts; understand how communities work.

Cultural

Appreciate cultural influences; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Our mission at Cornerstone is to make sure SMSC is developed through a whole school approach, through the taught curriculum, the pastoral and assembly programme and through trips, visits and the extra-curricular programme. We will ensure sure that students are clear that SMSC is not just something that is ‘taught’ but also something that is ‘caught’ through their active membership in the school community.

How do we develop SMSC in our students?

• Provide students with the opportunity to work independently and show that they can be self-reliant learners.

• Provide opportunities for students to develop teamwork and leadership skills. 

• Encourage students to actively participate and engage in lessons. 

• Provide the opportunity for students to reflect and develop thinking skills. 

• Encourage students to display consideration, cooperation, courtesy and respect to their peers and to staff. 

• Provide students with opportunities to be creative and develop a fascination for subjects/topics. ​

Practical examples of how students develop their SMSC at Cornerstone:  

• Working together in different groupings and situations. 

• Taking responsibility, leading e.g. participating in assembly, anti-bullying ambassadors, student council  

• Encouraging teamwork in all group activities. 

• Showing appreciation of the performances of other children regardless of ability.

• Meeting people from different cultures and countries. 

• Participation in a variety of different educational visits. 

• Participation in live performances. 

• Use of assembly themes

• Studying the ‘Arts’ from different cultures supported by visits from artists and participating in workshops.

• Opportunities for the children to hear and see live performances by professional actors, dancers and musicians.

• Opportunities to make and evaluate food from other countries.

• Studying the contributions to society that certain famous, historical and influential people have made.

British Values

Schools should 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 as part of their provision of SMSC.

How do we promote British Values at Cornerstone?

• Assemblies throughout the year that focus on the five different strands of British Values 
• An active student Council where students stand and vote in an election. A planned out campaign time and voting day is in place. Student Council reps are then elected to various sub groups which highlights the different areas MPs might work on in government. Student Council reps receive training on ‘leading a meeting’ and ‘assertiveness’ to help them gain vital skills for a successful council. The student council manages its own budget.
• Student voice is encouraged throughout the school. During department reviews student voice is completed and shared with the department area to act on.
• Students are taught across the curriculum and in extra-curricular events to debate and argue as would happen in British democracy. In English, History and RE debates takes place.
• Taking part in Elections – All students voted in the Mark your Mark Elections (Youth Parliament). Students were taught about the arguments for and against during tutor time before their vote. A display board with the issues was put up to support students thinking.
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance – Students are taught about a range of faiths throughout RE lessons at KS3. Year 7 study Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism. Year 8 Study Islam and Humanism.
• Stereotypes are challenged throughout Personal Development especially in the Prejudice and discrimination module as well as the world religion modules in RE. Throughout PD and RE lessons students express their views but are challenged to consider evidence and are presented with various sources to help with their own decision making.
• Throughout our school systems British Values are demonstrated. The Cornerstone Charter (written by students) allows students to work in classrooms where mutual respect is shown for learning. Student reflection forms completed by students if they are in binary for poor behaviour allows students time to consider their own behaviour (individual liberty and rule of law)
• Prefect System encourages leadership, mutual respect and individual liberty.
• Charity events throughout the year (mutual respect/tolerance)