SMSC Statement
Introduction
SMSC at Hathershaw is underpinned by our mission statement:
- At Hathershaw, through Technology and Sport, we endeavour to maximise the life chances of all.
- We recognise the potential of every individual to achieve excellence.
- We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and the belief that “Together We succeed”.
The Hathershaw College recognises that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural element of students’ education is crucial to their development as an individual, allowing them to take their rightful place in the community as local, national and global citizens. SMSC is about the values students are encouraged to hold, their attitude towards learning, knowledge and society. SMSC is fundamental in preparing students for society and at our College, they are helped to develop positive attitudes and beliefs by being given opportunities to:
- Develop spiritual values and reasoned personal and moral values
- Consider the diverse nature of society, developing their understanding and respect for those with different religions, beliefs and ways of life
- Value everyone equally
- Develop personal relationships, based on trust, self-esteem and mutual respect
- Become active, responsible citizens in a democratic society
- Develop an appreciation of human achievements and aspirations
- Develop an understanding of the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups, nations and the environment
At our College, SMSC permeates the work that we do. Through SMSC, we seek to develop attitudes and values that will enable students to become responsible and caring members of society. We provide students with the opportunity for spiritual reflection and encourage them to explore the fundamental questions of life, including their own personal existence, journey and purpose. We provide students with a curriculum that enables them to develop a knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures, particularly those within their own society. We seek to foster an attitude of tolerance and value towards those from a culture and background different from their own. They are encouraged to develop capacity to tackle moral and spiritual dilemmas and to try to reach independent judgements, which reflect universal human principles. We also expect students to develop questioning, enquiring minds and learn how to express their ideas appropriately.
As a College we are aware of our collective responsibilities towards SMSC and we:
- Ensure that all staff are aware of their role in developing students’ interpersonal skills, self-esteem and in preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
- Celebrate student achievement, foster a sense of community and involve students as active participants as much as possible. This is demonstrated through a wide range of events such as our annual Presentation Evening. There are also termly Rewards Assemblies for all Family groups to recognise effort and participation in the life of the College and activities beyond it. EPriase, our online rewards system, also encourages a culture of success and achievement for all, with the option for students to donate reward points to charity. Students are also encouraged to contribute to the College by developing their leadership roles as Senior Students, Reading Buddies and democratically elected College Council Representatives.
- Ensure students have information about all extra-curricular and enrichment activities.
- Ensure that the Citizenship lessons provide opportunities for discussion and that there are opportunities for reflection in assemblies.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development is concerned with how a student develops:
- Personal values and beliefs
- A willingness to reflect
- An ability to communicate these beliefs in discussion and through their behaviour
- An understanding of the value and role of faith and religion in societies
- Tolerance of other people
It includes imagination, inspiration and creativity, as well as an awareness of self-identify and self-worth.
We promote spiritual development as part of a student’s personal development including through:
- The Hathershaw Way – a set of rules students are expected to follow
- Rewards
- Citizenship lessons
- Religious Education
- Assemblies
Moral Development
Moral development is concerned with students’ knowledge, understanding, intentions, attitudes and behaviour in relation to right and wrong within the accepted codes of society. Their knowledge and awareness of values and attitudes of individuals and society as a whole and socially acceptable codes of behaviour is important. The quality of relationships that students experience, the standards of behaviour in the College as well as the values promoted by the College’s code of conduct form a basis of any judgment on moral development as well as the extent to which students show:
- An understanding of the difference between right and wrong
- Respect for people, truth and property
- A concern for how their actions may affect others
- The ability to make responsible judgements on moral issues
- Personal conduct that they take responsibility for their own actions
- Personal behaviour through principles rather than fear of punishment
- A knowledge of standards of morality
Our College is a social organisation and its functioning depends on the broad acceptance of The Hathershaw Way:
- To speak respectfully
- To behave respectfully
- To respect the College environment
- To have respect for your own learning
The essence of moral behaviour is to build a framework of values, which regulate personal behaviour, through principles rather than fear of punishment or reward. These values provide the framework for students to develop their attitudes and understanding on morality and develop the self-confidence to hold to this code of values against a variety of pressures. Moral development is about understanding the principles and social values behind actions and decisions.
At our College we reject:
- Bullying
- Cheating
- Deceit
- Cruelty
- Irresponsibility
- Dishonesty
- Obscenity
- Intolerance including racism, homophobia and disablist discrimination
At our College we promote moral development through a range of activities and opportunities both within and outside the classroom such as:
- Following The Hathershaw Way
- Working with teachers and form tutors
- The Citizenship Curriculum
- The Religious Education Curriculum
- Assemblies
- Rewards and sanctions
- Welfare and guidance
Social Development
Social development is concerned with developing the skills and personal qualities necessary for individuals to live and function effectively in society. Social development is based on the acceptance of group rules and the ability to see oneself in a wider context. The quality of relationships in College is crucial in forming students’ attitudes to good social behaviour and self-discipline. The College helps prepare students to live in society by providing knowledge and understanding of society, its institutions, structures, and characteristics, political, non-political and economic organisations. The College systematically plans for the social development of students through:
- Classroom organisation and management
- Seating plans and opportunities for group work
- The Hathershaw Way
- College Council
- College production
- Educational Visits, including overseas
- The Citizenship Curriculum
- Links with Further and Higher Education Providers
- Extra-curricular activities
- The annual Leavers’ Dinner
Cultural Development
A student’s cultural development refers to an understanding of those values, beliefs, customs, knowledge and skills which link groups together and give people a sense of identity. At our College we seek to develop in students an understanding and awareness of their culture within a multi-cultural society and encourage personal values and self-esteem. Our curriculum provides experiences of all aspects of culture including languages, aesthetic, mathematical, literacy, technological, scientific, musical, political, economic, citizenship and religious education.
There are opportunities for cultural activities and visits:
- Creative and Performing Arts as part of the curriculum for all students at KS3
- Cultural visits aboard
- Visits to centres of cultural interest
- Extra-curricular activities
- Mock elections
- Charity and fundraising activities
British Values
In addition to developing spiritual, moral, social and cultural opportunities for students, we also ensure that the British Values of democracy, the rules of law, individual liberty and respect/tolerance permeate the work of the College. A British Values statement is available on the College website detailing some of our contributions.
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