SMSC Academy Vision Statement
SMSC at Sirius Academy West is underpinned by our Vision that we aim ‘to be the best version of ourselves’.
At Sirius Academy West, through a varied and inclusive curriculum, we endeavour to maximise the life chances of all students and we recognise the potential in all to achieve excellence.
We value and celebrate the diversity of our school community and ensure that every student across the academy feels represented and included in daily academy life.
Sirius Academy West recognises that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural element of students’ education is crucial to their development as individuals, 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 Sirius Academy West we help our student to develop positive attitudes and beliefs.
Students are 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 and their beliefs/values equally.
- Develop strong 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.
Through SMSC, we seek to develop attitudes and values that will enable students to become responsible and caring members of society, who can leave the academy with the knowledge and skills of how to do that. We provide students with the opportunity for spiritual reflection and 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 maturity to tackle moral and spiritual dilemmas and to try to reach independent judgements. We also expect students to develop questioning, enquiring minds and learn how to express their ideas appropriately.
At Sirius Academy West 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 beyond Sirius Academy West.
- Celebrate student achievement and foster a sense of community and involve students as active participants as much as possible.
- Ensure students have information about all extra-curricular and enrichment activities the Academy offers.
- Ensure that the PSHE and lesson 1 activities provide opportunities for discussion and that there are opportunities for reflection in assemblies.
- Ensure character education and culture tasks in lesson 1 are focused on widening cultural knowledge and are focused on student self-development.
Have a comprehensive reading programme to develop students’ knowledge of different areas.
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.
At Sirius Academy West we promote spiritual development as part of a student’s personal development including through:
- The Sirius Academy West RESPECT Values
- Rewards
- PSHE lessons
- Religious Education during lesson 1
- Assemblies
- The Showcase Shed
- The Personal Development Pathway
Moral Development
Moral development is centred around 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 as well as the values promoted by the Academy’s Behaviour policy 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 (RESPECT values)
- 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 both inside and outside the Academy.
- Personal behaviour through principles rather than fear of punishment
- A knowledge of standards of morality
Our Academy puts great emphasis on the following RESPECT Values which students are expected to follow.
- Respect for the environment
- Respect for education
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. Moral development is about understanding the principles and social values behind actions and decisions.
At Sirius Academy West we do not tolerate:
- Bullying
- Cheating
- Deceit
- Irresponsibility
- Dishonesty
- Obscenity
Intolerance including racism, homophobia and any form of discrimination
Sirius Academy West promotes moral development through a range of activities and opportunities both within and outside the classroom such as:
- RESPECT Values
- Working with teachers and lesson 1 tutors
- The PSHE 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 at Sirius Academy West 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. We plan for the social development of students through:
- Classroom organisation and management/T&L
- Seating plans and opportunities for group work
- The RESPECT Values
- SLG
- Educational Visits, including overseas
- The PSHE Curriculum
- Links with Further and Higher Education Providers- Include The College @ Sirius
- Extra-curricular activities
- Votes for schools debates- Ensure current topical knowledge and balanced arguments
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 Sirius Academy West 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:
- A range of visits abroad
- Creative and Performing Arts as part of the curriculum for all students at KS3
- Visits to places of cultural interest
- Extra-curricular activities
- Charity and fundraising activities
- Celebrations
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 Sirius Academy West. Student voice also ties in with British Values as a democratic vote takes place for SLG and Year Captains.
