Spiritual, moral, social and cultural
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education
The curriculum has a strong emphasis on developing the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
A school ethos focused on mutual respect and tolerance is supported by effective relationships throughout the school.
A play-based curriculum provides opportunities to develop relationships, explore and understand the world. Pupils are encouraged to make connections, learn to interact in positive ways, play alongside their peers and learn to play together.
Activities that promote a sense of awe and wonder are a key to the curriculum in terms of pupil motivation and their general well-being. For example, though Living Eggs pupils were able to watch the chick hatch from their egg. This was a very special moment and created a vibrant communication rich environment.
Pupils learn to respond and make choices. Pupils' behaviour is shaped to teach them self-regulation and appropriate ways of expressing themselves. Consistent approaches to behaviour give clear messages about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Class rules and clear guidance help those pupils who are able to understand the difference between right and wrong. Pupils are taught to help their peers.
Activities beyond the classroom support the pupils' overall development and the whole school community ethos. The importance of family life is celebrated; pupils, their siblings, parents and carers have the opportunity to join Come and Play sessions at weekends as well as fun days and whole school day trips. This is a crucial part of our approach at Mandeville because parents tell us they can often feel isolated. It also provides an opportunity to learn from each other in a safe and relaxed environment.
Early intervention is seen as a positive and effective way of enabling pupils and their families. A full time social worker supports families to access services and support outside of school. This leads to more positive outcomes for pupils.
Cultural diversity is celebrated through curriculum resources, celebrating festivals and special religious events. Sensory materials, costumes and religious artefacts are used to teach pupils about the different cultures. Dance, music and religious stories are told to develop the pupils understand of the rich and varied cultures in school. Pupils have the opportunity to celebrate their own culture and religious events through special assemblies.
Throughout all aspects of school life we strive to:
"Actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs", (as required by the Education Regulations 2014 for the new social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) standard which came into force on 29 September 2014).
At Mandeville School we promote values which:
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Enable our pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
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Enable our pupils to distinguish right from wrong
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Encourage our pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely
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Enable our pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures
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Encourage respect for other people.
School meets the requirements of collective worship through short single acts of worship in class groups at the beginning and end of each day. The smaller group allows pupils to be more focused and therefore makes the act more meaningful to them. School assemblies focus on shared experiences and the coming together of larger groups for those children who can access learning in a wider environment.