Trinity Church of England Primary School

Trinity Church of EnglandPrimary School and Nursery You will shine among them like stars
in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Aquinas Trust

British Values

SMSC and British Values

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

The Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils is inherent in our curriculum, our behaviours and the culture of the school. Trinity CE Primary School strives to develop pupils that are responsible and respectful with a strong moral purpose. SMSC supports this development so that our pupils become life-long learners, who play constructive roles as citizens in our diverse and multi-cultural society.

It is the responsibility of all staff at Trinity to ensure SMSC development takes place in all lessons and around the school at all times.

SMSC has four different aspects, formulated to help our pupils grow into responsible members of the community.

We encourage Trinity pupils to display the following traits:

  • Spiritual Explore beliefs and experience; respect all faiths but particularly Christianity; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.
  • Moral Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
  • Social Investigate moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.
  • Cultural Appreciate cultural influences; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Promoting British Values

Trinity is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of both Britain and our local community. It also understands the vital role the school has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Trinity is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The five British Values are:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Trinity, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community. One example of this is our school council. Children from years 1 and above vote for the school council representatives from their classes.  Proposed candidates prepare and make a speech to their peers and then votes are cast and counted. The School Council representatives meet regularly and propose ideas and make decisions that impact on school life.  Information from meetings is fed back to each class by their representative.   We also encourage pupils and parents to provide valuable input into school and Trust policies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Trinity. Pupils are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted in our Behaviour Policy. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service reinforce this message.

 

Individual Liberty

At Trinity, pupils are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at Trinity educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 

Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety, RSHE and circle time work.

Trinity has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of Trinity culture. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an impact on their own rights and those of others. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and should respect the rights of other to hold different views and opinions to them. It is an expectation that all members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through our teaching, school rules and values.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through equipping pupils with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.  Trinity strives endlessly to ensure that its pupils leave with the strongest foundation of Christian and moral values upon which to build a successful life and make a successful contribution to our Society.