SMSC
(Social, Moral & Cultural Education)
and SMSC Calendar
At Ashton Gate, PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) education, linked with SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Social education) and British Values, addresses both pupils’ direct experience and preparation for their future and ensures learning is revisited, reinforced and extended in age- and stage- appropriate contexts. Our PSHE programme is tailored to meet all pupils’ needs regardless of their educational needs, gender, race, disability, ethnicity or faith. It is also tailored to our local circumstances.
We use guidance from the PSHE Association and Bristol Healthy Schools to ensure that we deliver an appropriate, relevant and engaging programme of study for PSHE, SMSC and British Values.
The British Values
At Ashton Gate we aim to 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. We encourage all pupils to develop the characteristics of an Ashton Gater and become confident, motivated, kind, resilient, independent, curious and creative individuals. These characteristics, alongside our curriculum drivers, SMSC and the British Values are threaded through our broad curriculum and embedded across the school.
At Ashton Gate the British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Democracy is embedded at Ashton Gate. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our school council and pupil voice. The elections of the School Councilors/Eco Council members, and House Captains are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. In addition, as part of our broad and balanced curriculum, children regularly take part in debates and are encouraged to express their opinions and listen to and respect others in a safe environment.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout our school day, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school. We encourage our pupils to distinguish right from wrong and help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from the Police, Fire Service and other local figures also help to reinforce our messages.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education. We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and PSHE lessons. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture and pride ourselves on being an anti-bullying school.
Mutual Respect
At the heart of our whole school ethos is a commitment to the 'Ashton Gater Characteristics' – a set of core attitudes that we believe contribute to individuals being able to live happy and successful lives within the communities to which they belong. Our characteristics and values are taught through assemblies and PSHE sessions and form a key part of our daily dialogue across school. Respect is promoted across school and it is deeply embedded in all that we do. The pupils know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have. Ashton Gaters are given regular opportunities to learn within their community and beyond, each time an emphasis is placed on respecting those with whom they come into contact and their surroundings. A very wide range of extra-curricular clubs are offered at Ashton Gate, these clubs provide another opportunity for mutual respect to be secured in the attitudes of our pupils, both amongst those participating from their own setting, and any visiting staff or teams.
More details of our clubs can be found at https://www.ashtongate.bristol.sch.uk/school-clubs/
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Our diverse curriculum enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through RE; PSHE work; welcoming visitors and enjoying a depth of study about other cultures and belief systems during themed days. Every subject leader ensures that cultural diversity is embedded and celebrated within their subject; this includes artists studied, authors, characters in books, history topics, scientists, composers and within geography lessons. Please see our SMSC calendar for more examples of cultural celebration at Ashton Gate.