SMSC & British Values
SMSC @ Bishopton
Social, moral, spiritual and cultural education and the values that it encapsulates is inextricably linked to all that we do at the school; it is at the very core of Bishopton’s mission, values, principles and ethos.
The work of the school is to enable young people to move from a position of vulnerability and/or crisis to one of hope and strength. Pupils will gradually learn to appreciate their life experiences as character building opportunities, and as a result will use them to their advantage as catalysts for change. Young people will see the need to care for themselves and equip themselves for life as they plan to be responsible contributors to their communities.
We support the social development of our pupils to enable them to develop 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 communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively;
- acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
We support the moral development of our pupils to enable them to develop their:
- ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, and to apply this understanding in their own lives and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England;
- understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions; and
- interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.
We support the spiritual development of our pupils to enable them to develop their:
- ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values;
- sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them;
- use of imagination and creativity in their learning; and
- willingness to reflect on their experiences.
We support the cultural development of our pupils to enable them to develop their:
- understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others;
- understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain;
- knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain;
- willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities;
- interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity,
- tolerance towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.
Through the range of activities offered we aim to enable our pupils to develop their:
- self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;
- their acceptance of responsibility for their behaviour;
- their understanding of how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in with Bishopton is situated and to society more widely;
- respect for their own and other cultures;
- respect for other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010; and
- respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process.
These are the skills and attitudes we believe will allow our pupils to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
For further information on how Bishopton embed SMSC values throughout our school, please see the policy below:
British Values @ Bishopton
Here at Bishopton we are committed to serving our community and surrounding areas. We recognise that the United Kingdom is a richly diverse, multicultural and multi-faith country. We understand our responsibility in promoting and encouraging a culture and ethos that upholds British values. Our school is highly inclusive and reflects British values in all that we do. We nurture our learners on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive contribution to British society and to the world. We encourage our learners to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals who respect themselves and other in school, in the community and the wider world.
Democracy
At Bishopton, student voice is significant to our school life. We value our students thoughts and opinions and actively seek to listen and embed their input, whether being curriculum ideas or SMSC Castle days. Student questionnaires and interviews are also conducted throughout the year.
The rule of Law
Our students will encounter rules and laws throughout their entire lives. We want our students to understand that whether these laws govern the class, the school, the neighbourhood or the country, they are set for good reasons and must be adhered to.
Individual Liberty
We invest a great deal of time in creating a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. We praise our pupils to speak out and challenge each other to be expressive and trust in what they believe.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the core of our school life. Students learn to treat each other and staff with great respect.
Tolerance
We strongly believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding. Through our curriculum and the routines of our daily school life, we strive to demonstrate tolerance and help children to become knowledgeable and understanding citizens who can build a better Britain for the future.
Examples of how fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, have been actively promoted within Bishopton include:
- Ethos statements
- C.A.S.T.L.E – School Values
- Rights Respecting Schools
- Careers education, advice and guidance
- Student Voice activities
- Citizenship lessons
- Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Programmes
- Healthy schools initiatives
- Discussion within curriculum subjects
- After school clubs
- Assemblies
- Charity work
- Sporting events
- Theme days or weeks
- Educational visits and other Learning Outside the Classroom
20 Things Before you leave Bishopton
At Bishopton we believe in creating opportunities for children to experience new things and to have fun and enjoy their time with us.
Our ’20 things before you leave Bishopton passport’ gives learners the chance to go out and participate in fun and meaningful activities and to also be acknowledged for achieving important milestones like 100% attendance.
If you would like more information on this please speak to Miss C Flemming Smith.
To see the range of activities our pupils accomplish, please see the attached Passport below.
Reading Passport
Here at Bishopton we firmly believe in the importance of reading. Reading is important for many reasons, such as learning new things, expanding the mind and boosting imagination. Many people also read for pleasure, which in turn can help the reader relax and better handle the stress in their life.
The ability to read opens countless doors of exploration and learning. Children are taught to read early on because much of their education comes from reading textbooks and assignments. It is a skill that, once learned, is continually used and exercised into adulthood. Reading is one of the best ways to gain a general knowledge of almost anything.
Reading requires conscious thought and effort on the part of the reader. This can lead to a natural tendency to think and observe, as well as promoting a better understanding of how the world works. Reading can also boost imagination and creativity in both children and adults. It allows the reader to explore new worlds, people and experiences. Through reading, the reader may begin to see the world in a fresher, more creative light.
For some people, reading provides an “escape” from the drudgery of day-to-day life. It allows them to relax and forget their troubles, if only for a few minutes. Those few minutes can replenish mental strength and help a reader to face life with renewed spirits.
During your time at our school, we would like you to experience the joy of reading for pleasure and to help you we have created a Reading Passport for you to enjoy.
The challenge is to do as many reading activities on this passport as you can before you leave us to progress to the next step in your education.
The more stamps you can achieve the greater the reward at the end of it. Once you have completed your passport, you must take it to Miss Walsh , who will review the progress you have made and present you with a £10 voucher for a retailer of your choice, to say well done for your hard work.