SMSC is an important part Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys’ curriculum and wider provision; it is also a requirement for schools to deliver.   

     ‘Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based and which: 

·         promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society 

·         prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life’ 

At Woolwich Poly, each student is valued as an individual and students are equipped to become responsible and active citizens.  We recognise the huge importance of instilling the values promoted through SMSC, with the objective for this to be in the DNA of the school. 

Aspects of SMSC are embedded in our academic, as well as our wider curriculum: 

• lessons across a range of different subjects which promote SMSC. All subjects detail their approach to SMSC in schemes of learning. 
• Personal Development lessons, where the Jigsaw programme for PSHEE is delivered has SMSC carefully mapped. This can be referenced here.
• Weekly assemblies address key issues and celebrate key events, including LGBTQ+ month, Black History Month 
• Through our school’s behaviour policy, including rewards and sanctions 
• Interventions and pastoral support 
• Through leadership opportunities such as prefects, SAFE ambassadors and student council 
• Extracurricular trips and visits 

The spiritual development of pupils is shown by their:

• ability to reflect 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 
• willingness to reflect on their experiences 

We therefore aim to promote spirituality through: 

• The contribution made by the whole curriculum by encouraging students to express thoughts and feelings through participation 
• Personal Development/EBC/Humanities lessons which explore values, principles and beliefs, and the way in which they affect people’s lives. 
• Assemblies 
• Extra-curricular activity 

The moral development of pupils is shown by their: 

• ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, recognise legal boundaries and, in so doing, respect the civil and criminal law of England 
• understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions 
• interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues. 

We therefore aim to promote moral development through: 

• quality of relationships staff and students, as well as encouraging positive relationships between all students at the academy 
• standards of behaviour 
• the PD/EBC/Citizenship curriculum exploring moral rights and wrongs, civil and criminal law, ethical issues and personal values 
• quality of leadership given by the Poly 
• the values the Poly sets and exhibits through its structures 
• the curriculum and teaching, including playing sport fairly and by the rules of the game 

The social development of pupils is shown by their: 

• use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those 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; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain. 

We therefore aim to promote social development through: 

• promoting co-operation and partnership in all lessons 
• providing opportunities for students to exercise leadership and responsibility across the school, such as within the Student Council, 
• encouraging respect for democracy through participation in democratic processes – such as voting for form/sports captains and taking part in UK Youth Parliament activities 
• encouraging students to show initiative and understand how they can contribute to society; through raising money for worthy causes, such as Oxfam, Macmillan, Jeans for Genes, Cystic Fibrosis etc
• classroom organisation and management 
• the grouping of students 
• Expressing views through student questionnaires and pupil surveys 
• extra-curricular activity 

The cultural development of pupils is shown by their: 

• understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and those 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, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities 

Please see here for our SMSC Self Assessment