SMSC

At Parkside Academy, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of cultures. The school will ensure that pupils should understand how the culture(s) in which they live influences their individual thinking.

All curriculum areas have a contribution to make to the child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this are planned in each area of the curriculum. Examples of this are the Big Question that students look at and reflect on in tutor activities ranging from PRIDE month, Global awareness days, local community initiatives. In subject areas e.g. Religion and Ethics – Should we always forgive?, students looking at a variety of different authors and poets in English, Science enables students to identify and learn about a range of scientists from different backgrounds who changed the face of science for all to see. SMSC aswell as being in curriculum areas it is also present in everything we do at Parkside Academy from how staff should model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people equally as unique and valuable individuals and showing concern and respect for pupils and their families. All curriculum areas should seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. The school community will be a place where pupils can find acceptance for themselves as unique individuals and where forgiveness and the opportunity to start again is fundamental to the ethos of the school.

Pupils should learn to differentiate between right and wrong. They should be aware that their actions affect other people and they will be encouraged to value both themselves and others. Pupils will be encouraged to understand the need for rules and the need to abide by these rules for the good of everyone. School and classroom responsibilities reflect, reiterate, promote and reward acceptable behaviour and provide opportunities to celebrate students’ work and achievements.

Aims

• To ensure everyone connected to Parkside Academy is aware of our values and principles.
• To ensure a consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC issues through the curriculum and the general life of the school.
• To ensure that a pupil’s education is set within a context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age, aptitude and background.
• To ensure that pupils know what is expected of them and why.
• To enable pupils to begin to develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment and an appreciation of the many cultures that now enrich our society
• To give each pupil the opportunity to explore social and moral issues, and develop a sense of social and moral responsibility