Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) and Personal Development

Our Intent

At Yorkley Primary School, we are committed to providing a coherent and ambitious programme of personal development that enables every pupil to flourish.

Our approach ensures pupils develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, preparing them for life in modern Britain. We aim to develop pupils who are:

  • Confident, resilient and reflective
  • Respectful and inclusive
  • Active and responsible citizens

SMSC development is embedded across our curriculum, enrichment and school culture, ensuring it is a core entitlement for every child.

Implementation

A Coherent Curriculum

Our personal development programme is embedded through:

  • PSHE and Relationships Education
  • RE curriculum exploring beliefs, values and worldviews
  • Assembly programme (including Picture News and opportunities for reflection)
  • Cross-curricular opportunities across all subjects

Rich Opportunities and Experiences

We provide a wide range of carefully planned experiences to broaden pupils’ horizons, including:

  • Visits to museums, heritage sites and places of worship (e.g. Gloucester Cathedral and a Mosque)
  • Theatre visits and visiting groups such as “In the Net”, supporting pupils’ understanding of online safety through real-life scenarios
  • Outdoor learning including Forest School and regular links with the Yorkley Community Garden, where pupils contribute to caring for their local environment
  • Participation in national events and awareness weeks, including Anti-Bullying Week, Safer Internet Day, Hello Yellow and Black History Month

Charity and Community Engagement

We are committed to supporting our local community. Each year, we identify a core charity linked to our context.

Currently, we are supporting the local food bank, with pupils:

  • Organising and contributing to collections throughout the year
  • Learning about community need and social responsibility
  • Developing empathy and understanding of others’ circumstances

In addition, pupils take part in wider charitable initiatives such as Macmillan Coffee Morning, Children in Need and Red Nose Day.

Residential and Wider Experiences

Across the Yorkley and Parkend Federation, pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 take part in residential experiences, including a London residential.

These opportunities:

  • Build independence and resilience
  • Develop social skills and teamwork
  • Provide rich cultural experiences beyond the local area

Pupil Voice and Leadership

Pupils contribute actively to school life through:

  • School Council and democratic processes
  • Sports Ambassadors, Play Leaders and Buddies
  • Wellbeing Champions and Picture Pioneers
  • House Captains and wider leadership opportunities

Pupils also develop their talents and confidence through Talent Showcase assemblies, where achievements in sport, music, performance and wider interests are celebrated.

“Future Me” Day supports pupils in thinking about their aspirations, exploring future careers and understanding the skills they need for success.

A Strong Ethos and Inclusive Culture

We promote a culture of:

  • Respect and inclusion
  • Positive behaviour and strong values
  • Emotional wellbeing and support

Our pastoral systems ensure that all pupils feel safe, supported and able to access help when needed.

We actively celebrate individuality and ensure pupils understand and respect differences. This includes:

  • Awareness events such as National Diabetes Day
  • Opportunities for pupils to share their own experiences

For example, one of our pupils shared how they hear using a cochlear implant, helping others understand how people experience the world differently and promoting empathy and inclusion across the school.

Impact

As a result of our SMSC and personal development provision, pupils:

  • Show respect for others and a strong understanding of diversity
  • Demonstrate confidence, resilience and independence
  • Develop aspirations and an understanding of future possibilities
  • Engage actively in a wide range of opportunities
  • Show empathy and a sense of responsibility towards their community

Pupil voice and behaviour across the school demonstrate that children:

  • Feel valued and included
  • Are proud of their achievements
  • Understand that everyone is different and respected
This is reflected in the way pupils take ownership of their environment and contribute positively to school life. For example, pupils have worked collaboratively this year to establish their own student common room, demonstrating mutual respect, responsibility and trust.
 

Pupils leave Yorkley Primary School as well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals, well prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain.