Spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) Development (British Values)
Our Catholic Foundation
At St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School, our mission is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the values of the Archdiocese of Southwark and the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP). We are a vibrant, values‑led community where every child and adult is nurtured to flourish spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Our ethos is shaped by our CIRCLE Values — Care, Independence, Resilience, Church, Learning and Enjoyment — which guide all relationships, actions and attitudes within school life.
These values shape everything we do: from daily worship and high‑quality RE provision, to the way we support wellbeing, celebrate diversity, and build a strong sense of belonging within our school family.
What is SMSC?
SMSC development is woven throughout every part of our curriculum. It helps children grow into compassionate, reflective, responsible and engaged citizens, grounded in both their Catholic identity and their place in modern Britain.
We ensure SMSC is not a “stand‑alone” area but integrated through worship, curriculum experiences, leadership opportunities and the culture of our school.
Spiritual Development
We support children to develop their spiritual understanding and relationship with God by:
- Daily acts of worship, prayer and reflection
- Celebrations of the liturgical year (e.g. Advent, Lent, Feast Days)
- Opportunities for stillness, contemplation and awe and wonder in learning
- High quality RE curriculum exploring the richness of Catholic teaching and other world faiths
- Encouraging children to explore their own beliefs, values and purpose
Moral Development
Children learn to:
- Recognise right and wrong and understand the impact of their actions
- Reflect on choices, consequences and forgiveness
- Engage with moral dilemmas in RE, PSHE, stories and current events
- Actively practise kindness, honesty and responsibility
Our school’s culture is deeply rooted in Gospel values of love, forgiveness, justice and service.
Social Development
We nurture confident, caring and socially responsible pupils by offering:
- Collaborative learning and teamwork across the curriculum
- Strong relationships built on respect, trust and inclusion
- Buddy systems, peer support and mixed‑age opportunities
- Participation in leadership groups
- Engagement with local, parish and national community events
These opportunities reflect the wider KSCP commitment to community, dignity and service.
Cultural Development
We promote appreciation and understanding of our rich cultural heritage by:
- Celebrating diverse traditions, saints, Church seasons and feast days
- Learning about a range of world religions and global cultures
- Exploring Britain’s place historically and geographically through our curriculum
- Taking part in music, arts, drama, festivals and creative enrichment
- Representing cultural diversity through texts, art and assemblies
British Values at St Michael’s
In line with DfE requirements and our Catholic ethos, British Values are embedded throughout daily school life.
We actively promote:
Democracy
- School Council elections
- Pupil voice groups
- Class decision‑making and debates
- Opportunities to lead and influence change within school
Rule of Law
- Clear behaviour expectations grounded in Gospel values
- Understanding fairness, justice and responsibility
- Learning about laws, rights and responsibilities
- Visits from police/fire services and community partners
Individual Liberty
- Encouraging children to make informed, respectful choices
- Promoting confidence, independence and self‑expression
- Supporting personal wellbeing and talent development
Mutual Respect
- A culture where every person is valued as made in the image of God
- Learning about relationships, equality and justice
- Ensuring behaviour systems promote respect, dignity and care
Tolerance of Different Faiths & Beliefs
- Teaching about world religions
- Welcoming families of all backgrounds
- Interfaith understanding through RE, assemblies and curriculum
Leadership Opportunities
Children at St Michael’s have a wealth of chances to lead and to serve, including:
- School Council & Eco Council
- Worship Leaders / Liturgy Leaders
- Sports Leaders / STRIVE Sports Partnership opportunities
- Reading Ambassadors
- House Captains
- Buddy programmes (including Year 6 supporting younger pupils)
Our emphasis on leadership reflects our drive to nurture confident, responsible young people.
Enrichment & Opportunities
We provide a rich programme of experiences to enhance SMSC, including:
- Forest School sessions led by a Level 3 practitioner
- High‑quality arts, science and technology enrichment
- Sports participation through the STRIVE partnership
- Celebration assemblies and community events
- Parish links, Masses and liturgical celebrations
- Trips, visits, visitors, workshops, themed weeks
Catholic Social Teaching (CST)
Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of life at St Michael’s. It helps our children understand how their faith calls them to act with compassion, justice and gratitude within their school, their families and the wider world. As part of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership, we share a common mission to place Christ at the centre of all we do and to form young people who are ready to serve their communities with love, ambition and joy.
CST teaches us how to live out the Gospel in daily life through key principles such as:
Dignity of the Human Person
Every child is uniquely created and loved by God. We foster respect, kindness and inclusion, ensuring that each member of our community feels valued and supported.
Solidarity & the Common Good
We teach children that we belong to one human family and that we must support and care for one another. Through pupil leadership, fundraising, community events and parish partnerships, children learn that their actions can make a difference.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Children are encouraged to think about others before themselves, champion fairness and stand up for those who need support. Throughout the year, we take part in charitable projects and social action, echoing the wider KCSP commitment to serving everyone in our community.
Care for God’s Creation
Through Forest School, Eco Council initiatives and curriculum links in Science and Geography, children learn to appreciate and protect the natural world God has entrusted to us.
Community & Participation
Our pupils actively shape school life through groups such as the School Council, Worship Leaders and House Captains. This helps them understand their shared responsibility for the wellbeing of the community and builds confidence as active citizens.
Dignity of Work
We help children appreciate their efforts, gifts and achievements. Through a rich curriculum, leadership opportunities and celebration of talents, we encourage pupils to use their abilities thoughtfully and responsibly for the good of others.
How CST Enriches SMSC
CST naturally strengthens SMSC development:
- It deepens spiritual growth by helping pupils understand how faith inspires action.
- It supports moral development by giving children a Gospel‑rooted framework for justice, fairness and ethical choices.
- It enhances social development by encouraging service, leadership and community involvement.
- It enriches cultural development by fostering global awareness, respect for diversity and appreciation of all people as God’s children.
In living out Catholic Social Teaching every day, St Michael’s ensures that children not only learn about faith but live it — growing into thoughtful, compassionate and hopeful young people ready to make a positive contribution to the world.
Our Catholic Life & KSCP Connection
As part of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership, our Catholic life is strengthened through:
- Shared prayer, formation opportunities and retreats
- Resources that support mission, identity and Catholic Social Teaching
- Collective worship guidance
- Close collaboration with other Catholic schools in Kent and Medway