Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development (SMSC) at St Hild’s

At St Hild’s, Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) education is embedded across our curriculum to help pupils develop into thoughtful, responsible, and engaged members of society. Through PSHE, Religious Education (RE), Worship, and enrichment activities, we encourage students to explore their beliefs, understand ethical issues, engage with diverse communities, and reflect on their role in the wider world.

Our RE curriculum follows the Diocese Agreed Syllabus, ensuring students develop a strong understanding of different religious traditions, ethical perspectives, and the role of faith in shaping moral and cultural values.

SMSC is not confined to a single subject—it is interwoven into daily school life. It can be seen in thought-provoking PSHE lessons, ethical debates in RE, student-led assemblies, cultural events, and form-time discussions. We create opportunities for students to develop their own values, respect others’ perspectives and contribute positively to their communities.

How SMSC Develop from Year 7 to Year 11?

Each year builds on the foundations of personal development, social responsibility, and ethical understanding:

Year 7 – Foundations of Belief & Community: Exploring identity, friendships, online behaviour, and the role of religious and ethical values in shaping societies.

Year 8 – Ethics & Rights: Introducing concepts of free speech, human rights, and personal responsibilities, along with discussions on cultural diversity and moral decision-making.

Year 9 – Challenging Prejudice & Promoting Social Justice: Examining extremism, discrimination, and the role of religion in fostering peace. Students explore real-world issues such as poverty, inequality, and activism.

Year 10 – Law, Justice & Ethical Leadership: A deeper look into morality in society, the legal system,work to prevent harmful sexual behaviour through PSHE & pastoral support and ethical responsibilities in modern life. Topics include coercive control, human rights, and the justice system.

Year 11 – Reflection & Future Citizenship: Encouraging students to consider family, relationships, ethical decision-making, and their role as future citizens. This includes discussions on teen parenting, different family structures, and moral dilemmas in careers.

This structured approach allows students to develop a clear moral framework, engage in critical thinking, and understand their responsibilities within society.

Where is SMSC Reflected in School Life?

Religious Education (RE): RE lessons explore major world faiths, ethical issues, and philosophical debates.

PSHE: Covers personal identity, values, ethical dilemmas, and cultural awareness.

Careers Education: Emphasizes moral decision-making in workplaces, leadership ethics, and social responsibility in careers.

Subject Links:

• History: Democracy, civil rights movements, and moral conflicts in history. 
• English: The power of storytelling in shaping values and ethical narratives. 
• Science: Discussions on environmental responsibility, medical ethics, and technological advancements. 
• Worship & Form Time: Focused on themes such as respect, responsibility, inclusion, resilience, honesty, ambition, and global citizenship.
• Enrichment & Community Engagement: Includes volunteering, interfaith dialogues, student leadership opportunities, and cultural trips to broaden students’ experiences.

How Do We Support All Learners in SMSC?

Recognising that students come from diverse backgrounds, we ensure SMSC is accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone through:

• Adapted resources to meet different learning needs.
• Smaller discussion groups for deeper reflection on sensitive topics.
• Pastoral and SEN support to provide additional guidance.
• Collaborations with local faith leaders, charities, and community organisations to enrich learning.

Engaging Parents, Students & Staff in SMSC

To ensure our approach remains relevant and impactful, we actively seek input from our school community:

• Parents/Carers: Opportunities for engagement sessions, surveys, and discussions.
• Pupils: Student feedback, debates, and peer-led initiatives to shape SMSC learning.
• Staff: Continuous training to confidently facilitate discussions on ethics, values, and culture.