Personal Development

Personal Development

SMSC

SMSC – Empowering young people for a stronger society

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. It involves educating your children to be the best versions of themselves and to become well-rounded and informed citizens of tomorrow. Strong evidence shows that promoting SMSC in schools can contribute to raising academic standards and improving children’s life chances in modern Britain.

At St John Fisher High School, we are committed to promoting the following aspects:

According to the government: “SMSC is the training of good human beings, purposeful and wise; themselves with a vision of what it is to be human and the kind of society that makes that possible.” Hansard, 2006.

At St John Fisher High School we recognise and firmly believe that the development of our pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part not only in their ability to learn and achieve, but in their ability to relate fully to, and have the ability to access, the world they live in. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values. We aim to nurture and develop the whole person so that they contribute positively as responsible and considerate future global citizens. They achieve this through the SMSC form time curriculum, extra-curricular opportunities and the guidance we provide, supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our students. Students are taught SMSC once a fortnight in their form groups. The curriculum is inclusive and age appropriate.

As a result of this work, we expect from our students:

An understanding of how they as citizens, in our school and in their local community, can bring about influence through a democratic process
An understanding regarding the rule of law and how it aims to protect individuals and the need for it to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all
An understanding of the freedom of choice, particularly related to choice regarding faith and beliefs, and how these choices are protected in law
An acceptance of others who hold differing beliefs, faiths and opinions and that tolerance is required and how discriminatory or prejudicial behaviour is against the values and ethos of this school but also is against the law
An understanding of the world around them and how to function beyond secondary education.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is now compulsory in all secondary schools, which is why at St. John Fisher we have invited Spectrum Health (A not-for-profit social enterprise, who provide healthcare services on behalf of the NHS and Public Health) to come in and deliver RSE to Years 7- 11. Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 each receive two sessions and Year 9 receive four.

Useful Documents

Sexual Health and Relationships Education (RSE): Year 9 sessions

RSE parent letter Whole School letter

RSE curriculum map

British Values

British Values are intrinsically linked to the school’s mission statement, “learning together as a community in Christ”. By this we mean that the values of tolerance and consideration are embedded in our school community. The five identified values are:

Democracy

Rule of law

Individual liberty

Mutual respect

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Pupils are taught British Values through the SMSC Curriculum. This is a spiral curriculum that allows pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of the different British Values throughout their time at St John Fisher. British Values education is also taught across the curriculum in subjects such as History, Drama and Sociology.

Democracy

The school supports democratic values in various ways – both as part of our school curriculum and in an extra-curricular capacity. For instance, we have an active and purposeful school council that is comprised of elected representatives from all forms and year groups. Pupils’ views from this forum are valued and have impacted on change within the school. Each year, a mock election day takes place during which a whole year group explore the workings of the British democratic process, leading to a vote to determine the most effective party.

Rule of Law

In school we have an inclusive behaviour policy to which pupils are held accountable. Rules and regulations are enforced consistently across the curriculum and pupils are aware of the consequences of failing to meet agreed expectations. Standards cards help to reinforce these expected behaviours. The school also recognises, through its rewards system, those who exhibit exemplary standards since it is important their contributions are valued. Additionally, the school works closely with outside agencies to ensure that pupils are aware of what is expected of them as British citizens in the wider community.

Individual Liberty

It is our firm belief that all pupils should be given the opportunity to make appropriate personal choices and we offer the support and guidance to enable them to do so. For example, pupils, after individual learning conversations, have the ability to make option choices in Year 9. The school’s ethos supports pupils to be independent, resilient learners. Furthermore, pupils have the freedom to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including school productions, sports teams and whole school clubs. Within our collective worship programme there are opportunities for pupils to participate in discussions and debates during which they are encouraged to consider and express their own individual viewpoints.

Mutual Respect

St. John Fisher’s mission statement recognises that we are all learners in the image of Christ. Inclusion is at the heart of our ethos and we make every effort to support all our pupils and in particular the most vulnerable – both within our school and the wider community. Our charitable endeavours include supporting Cafod, the Brick Foundation, and Cancer Research UK among others. Bullying – in all its forms – has no place within our school and it is our priority to ensure that pupils feel safe and nurtured. The recent Kirkland Rowell surveys identified our efforts to eradicate bullying based on the positive, respectful relationships between our staff and pupils. They were seen as outstanding strengths of our school

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The school’s ever-increasing cultural diversity has enhanced our community and we go to great lengths to ensure that everyone is respected and valued. Tolerance towards those of other faiths features strongly in the R.E and Humanities curriculum, and cross-curricular activities (such as our annual Holocaust Day) contribute to ensuring that our students are aware of the injustices of the past in order to encourage a tolerant outlook for the future. Elsewhere in the curriculum, literature and poetry from other cultures and traditions feature prominently in English lessons and the modern foreign languages department offers students the chance to explore the traditions of other countries, both within the curriculum and on trips.

Pupil Leadership

School Council:

Here at St John Fisher we are very proud of our School Council. We have a strong group of students who are elected by their peers to represent the views of all pupils and to improve the St John Fisher School Community. EACH form group is represented from Y7-Y11. The pupils meet to gather the views of the wider school community. The meetings are an opportunity to propose new ideas and develop leadership skills. The School Council has played a key role in school developments such as the canteen refurbishment. They have also contributed to the development of School Uniform options and choices.

Prefects:

At St John Fisher High School, pupils in Year 11 are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as a Prefect. These pupils are elected by their teachers to work together as a team. They play a valuable role in the day to day life of the school. Our Prefects demonstrate the ethos and values we promote. They are respectful, polite, aspirational and kind. Prefects have a number of responsibilities across the school. For example, supporting each Year Team during registration sessions. Also supporting each curriculum department and SLT in the day to day running of the school.

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors:

The Anti-bullying Ambassadors consist of 10 of our pupils from Y7,8 and 9. They successfully completed training with the Diana Award to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. An Anti-Bullying Ambassador helps to educate their peers on bullying. This is a youth led programme which aims to create a safer and kinder school community. The team are excited to further develop their leadership skills, through a range of projects and ideas. Look out for some exciting campaigns that the Anti-bullying Ambassadors will be launching in the months ahead!

Useful Documents

Health Curriculum

Living in the Wider World Curriculum Map

Where to access support