A specialist SEN school for secondary aged boys with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs

Aims

At LWS Academy we understand that developing pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) understanding is an important part of the individualised curriculum we deliver, and plays a significant role in their ability to achieve. Pupils at the Academy will be given the opportunity to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, a positive attitude towards others and to value the civil and criminal law in England. Pupils will be encouraged to improve their awareness of other cultures and recognise the benefit of diversity across communities.

Throughout an Academy wide approach, pupils will have the chance to make informed decisions and positive behaviour choices. Pupils are supported in accepting responsibility for their actions, and to consider how they can make amends through worthy contributions to the Academy and their own communities. In promoting SMSC, pupils will explore the fundamental British values which are: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and those without faith.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual development will allow pupils to value everyone as a unique human being, and to recognise and respect different faiths, religions and belief structures prevalent in Britain and around the world. The Academy aims to provide spiritual learning opportunities that enable pupils to:

  • Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought
  • Experience moments of reflection and mindfulness
  • Demonstrate empathy and understanding
  • Reflect and consider their feelings about the known and unknown aspects of life
  • Improve self-esteem and positive mental health.

Moral Development

Moral development will give pupils the capacity to make informed decisions regarding right and wrong, to improve their moral reasoning and to understand how their actions may impact others quality of life. Pupils will acquire a deeper understanding of democracy and respect for the law in Britain. The Academy aims to provide moral learning opportunities that enable pupils to:

  • Recognise the unique value of individuals
  • Act with respect, responsibility and integrity
  • Distinguish right from wrong across a variety of contexts
  • Make informed and independent judgements

Social Development

Social development will encourage pupils to work with and alongside others, increasing their ability to function within society successfully and to make positive contributions to the Community. The Academy aims to provide social learning opportunities that enable pupils to:

  • Develop a sense of self and a group identity
  • Learn about the benefits of teamwork to achieve a common goal
  • Reflect on and recognise effort put forth by others
  • Make decisions that improve their own and others quality of life
  • Demonstrate respect and tolerance

Cultural Development

Cultural development will enable pupils to explore and appreciate how cultural influences from around the world have shaped life in modern Britain. In addition, pupils will improve their awareness and respect for cultures different to their own and use this knowledge to enrich creativity and imagination. The Academy aims to provide cultural learning opportunities that enable pupils to:

  • Recognise and value cultural richness and diversity
  • Develop a sense of cultural self-identity
  • Improve their understanding of local, national, European and global foundations

Strategies for Implementation

The Academy will provide opportunities for students to develop their SMSC awareness by providing differentiated learning opportunities across the curriculum in:

  • Subject lessons
  • Tutor time
  • Pathways provision e.g. college, alternative providers, work experience
  • Educational visits
  • Assemblies

Learning opportunities to develop SMSC in curriculum areas will be considered in the planning stage and may include:

  • Discussions – paired, small group and whole class
  • Independent research and guided discovery
  • Opportunities for social engagement
  • Practical tasks designed to reflect the real world
  • Opportunities for teamwork
  • Reflection – self assessment and peer critique
  • Educational visits
  • Visitors and guests from the wider community
  • Community based learning
  • Use of news stories and current events

Evidencing Learning

Learning opportunities for SMSC may be evidenced across the Academy in several ways, including the Academy website, twitter, displays in classrooms and shared spaces, SMSC stamps used in books. SMSC learning opportunities are recorded on the SMSC log. Monitoring, Evaluation and Review SMSC provision will be monitored by the Leadership team via Drop In and Formal lesson observations, learning walks and work sampling. In addition, the Hampshire School Self-Evaluation Tool for the Promotion of SMSC Development may be used annually to monitor areas for development. Directors will be updated regarding the success, strategies and changes relating to SMSC provision at suitable intervals throughout the academic year.

Staff CPD

LWS Academy will provide staff with regular training opportunities to improve the quality and delivery of SMSC. CPD opportunities may include:

  • Sharing examples of good practice
  • Highlighting sources of information and appropriate resources
  • Support at the planning phase to maximise SMSC inclusion in teaching and learning opportunities across the curriculum
  • Teachers meeting and INSET focusing on specific aspects of SMSC
  • Support and guidance in addressing topical, sensitive and controversial issues (TSCI)
  • Leadership team disseminating external CPD to the staff team
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Contact Info
  • LWS Academy, Montefiore Drive, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7NL
  • 01489 582684
  • enquiries@lws.gfmat.org

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