Intent

At LAPW, we are committed to fostering the holistic development of our children. We intentionally cultivate the five essential elements of well-being – social, emotional, physical, and spiritual – alongside a deep understanding and appreciation of British Values. Our aim is to empower children to become responsible, compassionate, and engaged global citizens who contribute positively to their local and wider communities, embodying the IB Learner Profile Attributes and demonstrating a strong sense of social responsibility.

We encourage children to explore their own beliefs and values, respect diverse perspectives, and develop a strong moral compass based on principles of fairness, honesty, and empathy. This is nurtured through reflection, discussions, and opportunities to understand different faiths and worldviews. We empower children to become active participants in their academy and local community, encouraging them to voice their opinions respectfully, understand democratic processes, and contribute to positive change.

We will provide opportunities for collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution, enabling children to develop effective interpersonal skills and understand their rights and responsibilities within a community. We actively promote inclusivity, respect for diversity, and a commitment to social justice. We aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued, understood, and supported in developing their emotional literacy, self-awareness, and coping mechanisms. We promote the importance of physical activity, healthy choices, and understanding the connection between physical and mental well-being.

We explicitly explore the fundamental British Values of Democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Through inquiry, critical thinking, and real-life contexts, children will understand the significance of these values in shaping a fair and just society and how they are upheld in the United Kingdom.

By integrating SMSC and British Values seamlessly within the PYP framework, we strive to equip our children with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world, becoming principled individuals who make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

Implementation

We are committed to the holistic development of every child, fostering their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) understanding alongside a deep appreciation for fundamental British Values. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) academy, we integrate these crucial aspects into our inquiry-based curriculum, nurturing responsible, compassionate, and engaged global citizens who understand and respect the diverse world around them.

We believe that SMSC and British Values are not standalone subjects but are interwoven throughout our daily practices, transdisciplinary themes, and the IB Learner Profile Attributes. Through meaningful inquiries, children explore concepts and issues that naturally lend themselves to discussions about values, beliefs, and societal norms. They are encouraged to ask questions, investigate different perspectives, and reflect on their own understanding. We value each child's unique background and experiences, creating a safe and inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints are respected and celebrated. Children are empowered to develop their own moral compass and make informed decisions. SMSC and British Values are not confined to specific subjects but are explored within the context of our Units of Inquiry. This allows children to see their relevance in real-world situations and make meaningful connections. While opportunities for explicit discussions and reflections on SMSC and British Values are planned within our units, we also foster these through our academy ethos, daily interactions, and the positive relationships we cultivate. We work in partnership with parents, carers, and the wider community to reinforce SMSC and British Values, recognising that these are shared responsibilities.

Spiritual Development:

We encourage children to explore their own beliefs and values, fostering a sense of wonder, awe, and appreciation for the world around them. This is nurtured through:

Opportunities for reflection, mindfulness, and quiet contemplation.
Exploring different faiths and beliefs through our inquiries.
Celebrating cultural diversity and traditions.
Developing an understanding of the intangible aspects of life and human experience.

Moral Development:

We support children in developing a strong sense of right and wrong, promoting respect for rules, laws, and the rights of others. This is fostered through:

Explicit discussions about ethical dilemmas and moral choices within our inquiries.
Developing an understanding of fairness, justice, and equality.
Promoting responsible behaviour and accountability.
Encouraging empathy and compassion for others.

Social Development:

We aim to equip children with the skills and understanding necessary to participate positively in society, respecting diverse viewpoints and contributing to the well-being of their community. This is nurtured through:

Collaborative learning opportunities that promote teamwork, communication, and negotiation.
Developing an understanding of different social structures and responsibilities.
Encouraging active citizenship and participation in academy and local initiatives.
Promoting understanding and respect for different cultures and backgrounds.

Cultural Development:

We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within our academy and the wider world, fostering an appreciation for diversity and promoting intercultural understanding. This is nurtured through:

Exploring different cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions within our inquiries.
Providing opportunities for children to share their own cultural heritage.
Developing an understanding of the interconnectedness of global communities.
Challenging stereotypes and promoting tolerance.

British Values:

We actively promote the fundamental British Values as defined by the UK government:

Democracy: Children are encouraged to participate in decision-making processes within the classroom and academy, understanding the importance of voice and representation. We explore democratic principles through our inquiries and academy council initiatives.
The Rule of Law: Children develop an understanding of the importance of laws and rules in maintaining a fair and just society. We explore this through discussions, role-playing, and understanding the consequences of actions.
Individual Liberty: Children are encouraged to develop self-confidence and make responsible choices within a safe and supportive environment. We promote critical thinking and the ability to express their views respectfully.
Mutual Respect: We foster an environment where all members of the academy community are treated with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or differences. This is embedded in our daily interactions and explicitly addressed in our inquiries.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs: We promote understanding and acceptance of different faiths and beliefs through our inquiries, discussions, and celebrations of cultural diversity. We encourage open dialogue and critical thinking about different perspectives.

The implementation of SMSC and British Values is regularly monitored and reviewed through:

Lesson observations and planning scrutinies.
Child voice activities and feedback.
Discussions with staff and governors.
Children’s work in books.
Review of academy policies and practices.

This ongoing process ensures that SMSC and British Values remain central to our ethos and contribute effectively to the development of well-rounded, responsible, and engaged learners within our curriculum and the PYP framework.

LAPW is committed to providing a learning environment where SMSC and British Values are not just taught, but lived and experienced by all members of our community.

Impact

The integration of Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development and British Values has a profound and positive impact on our children, shaping them into well-rounded individuals and responsible global citizens. Our inquiry-based approach naturally fosters these crucial aspects of education.

Through transdisciplinary themes and Units of Inquiry, children are encouraged to explore big ideas, ask profound questions about themselves and the world around them, and develop a sense of wonder. This fosters their spiritual growth by promoting introspection and the exploration of different perspectives. Exposure to diverse cultures, beliefs, and values within the curriculum nurtures empathy and respect for others' spiritual journeys. Children learn to appreciate the richness and complexity of human experience, fostering open-mindedness and tolerance. Opportunities for reflection, mindfulness activities, and discussions about feelings and emotions support children in developing self-awareness, resilience, and a strong sense of personal well-being.

The PYP’s emphasis on action and making a difference empowers children to understand and apply ethical principles in real-life situations. Through inquiry into rights and responsibilities, fairness, and justice, they develop a strong moral compass and a commitment to ethical behaviour. The Learner Profile Attributes are explicitly taught and encouraged. Children learn the importance of honesty, taking responsibility for their actions, and acting with integrity in all aspects of their learning and interactions. Inquiry-based learning encourages children to critically analyse different viewpoints on moral dilemmas, fostering their ability to make informed and ethical decisions.

The collaborative nature of inquiry-based learning, through group work, presentations, and discussions, equips children with essential social skills, including effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Our commitment to international-mindedness and celebrating diversity fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity within our academy community. Children learn to value and appreciate individual differences, building positive relationships with peers from various backgrounds. Through child-led inquiries and opportunities for service learning, children develop a sense of social responsibility and are empowered to take action to make a positive difference in their local and global communities.

The transdisciplinary themes of the PYP provide rich opportunities for children to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This fosters cultural understanding, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship. Inquiry into different forms of artistic expression and cultural heritage broadens children's horizons and nurtures their appreciation for the richness and diversity of human creativity.

Through explicit teaching and integration within relevant Units of Inquiry, children develop an understanding and respect for fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They learn how these values underpin British Society and their role as responsible citizens within it.

By intentionally weaving SMSC and British Values into the fabric of our curriculum, we are nurturing children who are curious about the world and actively seek to understand it from multiple perspectives. They act with integrity and a strong sense of fairness and justice. They value diversity and appreciate different cultures and beliefs. They show empathy and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. They understand and uphold British Values and their role in a democratic society.

The impact of our approach is evident in the positive attitudes, behaviours, and engagement of our children, preparing them not only for future academic success but also for fulfilling and responsible lives as global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. We continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of our SMSC and British Values provision through the children’s voice, observations, and feedback to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and relevance within our academy.

What we do at LAPW...

We actively promote democracy through our vibrant Student Council, where children are elected by their peers, and through annual Elections for House Captains, giving pupils a genuine voice in academy decisions. The rule of law is reinforced by our clear Behaviour Ladder and consistent, unambiguous school rules, alongside regular Police Talks that highlight the importance of laws in society. Our comprehensive Clear Behaviour Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy further ensure individual liberty within a safe and supportive environment. Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs are central to our ethos, evident in our regular Celebration Assemblies, which recognise achievements and promote positive social interactions, our clear RE curriculum, which explores a range of religions and worldviews, and our proactive approach to celebrating other cultures and festivals, allowing children to appreciate the rich diversity of modern Britain.

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