Spiritual, moral, social, vocational and cultural (SMSVC)
Spiritual, moral, social, vocational and cultural is an outstanding feature of life here at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary school.
The Spiritual Development of our pupils is shown by their:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, which inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s feelings, values and faiths.
- sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them including the intangible.
- use of imagination and creativity in their learning.
- willingness to reflect on their experiences.
Our pupils are provided with a wealth of opportunities and experiences to develop spiritually through inspiring child led assemblies, collective worship, use of high quality prayer resources and thought provoking lessons.
The Moral Development of our pupils is shown by their:
- ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and their readiness to apply this understanding in their own lives. To have a respect for the civil law and the criminal law of England.
- understanding of the consequences of their behaviour.
- interest in investigating, and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and their ability to accept, respect and appreciate that others may have a different viewpoint.
From a moral perspective, the children are encouraged to approach problems and decisions focused on 'What would Jesus do
The Social Development of our pupils is shown by their:
- use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- willingness to participate in a variety of social settings, co-operating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively.
- willingness to volunteer.
- interest in, and understanding of the way that communities and societies function at a variety of levels.
- acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, respect and tolerance of those with differing faiths and beliefs. Their attitude towards these British Values allows children to participate fully and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Our pupils socialise with others from different socioeconomic, ethnic and other religious groups and have respect for all people as children of God.
The Vocational Development of our pupils is shown by their:
- service to others by helping those in need in the community, demonstrating sacrifice and almsgiving.
- ability to show forgiveness, mercy, tolerance, peace and compassion
- ability to demonstrate faithfulness, purity and holiness.
Students' vocational development is catered for by dedicated Vocations weeks as a time to reflect on our call to serve others; this encompasses all that we do here at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary school.
The Cultural Development of our pupils is shown by their:
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others.
- willingness to participate in, and respond to, for example, artistic, mathematical, technological, scientific, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities.
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of different cultures in modern Britain as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain.
- interest in exploring, understanding of and respect for cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.
Children's cultural development is enhanced by our broad and balanced curriculum in which we study national and international topics; engaging with the cultures of people who live there.
SMSVC in the Curriculum
In planning for our pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, we recognise that we need to provide as many opportunities as possible for our pupils to engage with culturally rich and diverse experiences. Opportunities to develop SMSVC form both part of the formal and informal curriculum, through cross-curricular activities, teaching in RE, PSHE & RSHE.
SMSVC is a central aspect for our school as 'we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to make the heart, mind and spirit soar'.
