SMSC & Fundamental British Values
SMSC & Fundamental British Values
We consistently promote fundamental British values and pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Read more about how fundamental British Values and SMSC development are embedded in our expectations and curriculum at Gainsborough.
At Gainsborough Primary School, we consistently promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and the promotion of fundamental British values and they are at the heart of our curriculum and the school’s work.
SMSC
Throughout our curriculum we systematically enhance pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and strategically plan for the development of pupils’ understanding of a range of SMSC themes. Our Campaign Curriculum provides for pupils’ broader development. It encourages social action, gives our pupils a voice and allows them to make recommendations and decisions about our school, local area and the wider community. The children are very passionate about our campaign.
Read more about SMSC development at Gainsborough Primary School – link to follow shortly
British Values
From 2014 maintained schools have been required to actively promote British Values in Schools as part of their SMSC provision. But what are British Values?
With the school population representing the different ethnic groups in Hackney and London, finding commonality and building a collective sense of community is vital for a cohesive co-existence. Fundamental British Values recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. All schools, including Gainsborough Primary School, have a vital role in ensuring that our young people are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
Government guides schools towards ‘promoting the fundamental British values’ of:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
These values are not, however, uniquely British, nor should it be assumed that everyone understands them. Our focus at Gainsborough is on helping our pupils understand how things in British society work and how to challenge and change society for the better. At Gainsborough, these values are also promoted through our campaign curriculum, SMSC assembles, PSHC&E lessons, school displays and celebration or charity days.
Below are some of the other ways that Gainsborough students are guided in developing an understanding and appreciation for these British Values.
Read about how British Values are built into our EYFS curriculum
British Values at Gainsborough Primary School
Prevent Duty
Some organisations in England, Scotland and Wales have a duty, as a specified authority under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to identify vulnerable children and young people and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent duty. At Gainsborough Primary School, we have a Prevent Duty and ensure we safeguard all pupils and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism or radicalisation.