At Ladybridge High School we recognise that the personal development of learners, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides our young people with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.
All curriculum areas have a contribution to the young person’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this are planned in each area of the curriculum. Our values, principles and spirituality will be explored in the curriculum, especially Humanities subjects like Religious Studies and Citizenship. The integrity and spirituality of other faith backgrounds is respected and explored. The diversity of spiritual tradition is recognised, and learners are given access to alternative views.
At Ladybridge, all adults model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as valuable individuals and showing respect for learners and their families. Young people learn to differentiate between right and wrong in as far as their actions affect other people. They are encouraged to value themselves and others.
Children understand their rights and responsibilities and the need to respect the rights of others. The whole school behaviour policy promotes responsible behaviour. All curriculum areas seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from a wide range of cultural contexts as possible. This is reflected in the teacher’s planning and learning resources.
General aims
We aim to ensure:
• That everyone connected with the school is aware of our values and principles.
• That there is a consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC, through having SMSC objectives for every lesson and SMSC issues throughout the curriculum and the general life of the school.
• That a young person’s education is set within a context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age, aptitude and background.
• That young people have a good understanding of their responsibilities.
Through classroom discussions we will give the children opportunities to:
• Share their achievements and successes with others.
• Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
• Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
• Speak about different events e.g. bullying, death etc.
• Explore relationships with friends, family, others.
• Consider the needs and behaviour of others.
• Show empathy.
• Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
• Develop a sense of belonging.
• Develop the skills and attitudes that enable young people to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally e.g. empathy, respect, open- mindedness, sensitivity, critical awareness etc.
Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to:
• Listen and talk to each other.
• Learn an awareness of treating all as equals, accepting people who are different because of physical and learning difficulties.
• Agree and disagree.
• Experiencing good role models.
• Take turns and share equipment.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively.
Spiritual Development
• Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experience.
• Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought.
• Foster their emotional life and express their feelings.
• Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
• Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences.
• Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships.
• Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
Moral Development
• Recognise the unique value of each individual.
• Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others.
• Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes.
• Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others.
• Distinguish between right and wrong.
• Show respect for the environment.
• Make informed and independent judgements.
• Take action for justice.
Social Development
• Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
• Helping others in school and in the wider community.
Cultural Development
• Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain.
• Develop an understanding of Britain’s local, national, European, commonwealth and global dimensions.
Practical activities to develop SMSC will include:
• Working together in different groupings and situations.
• Encouraging our young people to behave appropriately at meal times.
• Taking responsibility e.g through having prefects, health ambassadors, Hate Crime ambassadors.
• Encouraging teamwork.
• Showing appreciation of other young people, regardless of ability.
• Hearing music from different composers, cultures and genres.
• Meeting people from different cultures and countries.
• Participation in a variety of different educational visits.
We have many visits abroad, e.e to Paris, Berlin, La Fosca. We also have trips outside of our own area, to London, the Globe Theatre, the Lake District and many local visits to places of worship, the local magistrate’s courts, the Anderson Centre, the Fairtrade shop, Bolton Museum, the Octagon theatre etc.
• Participation in live performances
• Use of assembly themes to explore important aspects of our traditions and other cultures e. St George’s Day, European Day of Languages, Chinese New year, International Migrants Day.
• Studying literature and art from different cultures supported by visits from writers and artists and participating in workshops.
• Opportunities for our young people to hear and see live performances by professional actors, dancers and musicians.
• Participation in dance from other cultures.
• Opportunities to make and evaluate food from other countries.
• Opportunities in music to learn songs from different cultures and play a range of instruments including steel pans and samba drums.
• Studying the contributions to society that certain famous people have made.
• All staff at Ladybridge have received training relating to radicalization and this has been cascaded to our learners through our Super Citizen Days and assemblies.
“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
Mother Teresa