SMSC
Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development
At Ashton Gate, we nurture the whole child through our SMSC provision. This means helping pupils to develop their sense of self, understand right and wrong, build positive relationships, and appreciate the diverse world around them. SMSC is woven throughout our curriculum and daily school life, supporting pupils to become thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of the community.
Our PSHE curriculum, closely linked with SMSC and British Values, supports pupils’ personal growth by addressing both their everyday experiences and preparation for the future. Learning is carefully revisited, reinforced, and extended in age and stage appropriate ways, ensuring that key concepts are understood and applied over time.
Our programme is inclusive and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, regardless of educational needs, gender, race, disability, ethnicity or faith, and it reflects the unique context of our local community. We draw on guidance from the PSHE Association and Bristol Healthy Schools to deliver a programme that is relevant, engaging and responsive to our pupils’ needs.
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 firmly embedded in school life at Ashton Gate. Pupils know their voices matter — they are listened to by adults and encouraged to listen respectfully to one another. Through our School Council and Eco Reps, children experience democracy in action, with representatives chosen through pupil votes. Across the curriculum, pupils take part in debates and discussions, learning to express their views confidently while valuing the opinions of others in a safe, respectful environment.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws — in the classroom, school, and wider community — is reinforced throughout daily life and assemblies. Pupils learn to distinguish right from wrong and understand that living under the rule of law keeps everyone safe. They explore the reasons behind laws, the responsibilities they bring, and the consequences of breaking them. Visits from the Police, St John's Ambulance, and other community figures help bring these lessons to life.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. We provide clear boundaries and guidance to help pupils exercise their rights and freedoms responsibly. Through lessons in PSHE and e-safety, pupils develop self-knowledge, confidence, and self-esteem, learning to make safe, informed decisions. Our school also promotes a strong anti-bullying culture, ensuring every child feels valued and respected.
Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of our school ethos, guided by the Ashton Gater Characteristics — core values that help pupils thrive in their communities. Respect is taught through assemblies, PSHE lessons, and daily interactions, and pupils learn to value everyone, whatever their differences. Opportunities to practice mutual respect extend beyond the classroom, through community learning during trips and visits and a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, where pupils develop positive attitudes toward peers, staff, and their surroundings. You can explore personal development opportunities specific to each year group on the Year Pages. These are experienced alongside whole-school initiatives such as World Mental Health Day, Dyslexia Awareness Week, Odd Socks Day and more.
Tolerance of Those With Different Faiths And Beliefs
Our diverse curriculum helps pupils understand and respect different backgrounds, cultures, religions and worldviews and welcomes visits from inspiring guests. Cultural diversity is celebrated across all subjects, from artists, authors, and composers to historical figures and scientists, ensuring pupils are exposed to a wide range of perspectives. In our RW lessons, a wide range of faiths are explored, ensuring that children are aware of the many religions in the world and know how to act respectfully. We are also working closely with an inclusion consultant to continue improving how we support and celebrate all pupils.