SMSC

At Fulwood Academy our values are: ‘Aim High; Work Hard; Be Nice; No Excuses’. These exemplify our attitude and approach to the importance of the development of all aspects of SMSC (Social, moral, Spiritual and Cultural awareness). We champion and firmly believe in a holistic education, experience and curriculum. We recognise that the development of 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. The wide range of extra-curricular activities in which all KS3 pupils participate on a Wednesday afternoon allows pupils to develop communication skills, team spirit and a sense of responsibility.

We aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values, whilst recognising that those of others may differ. Our curriculum caters for all of our students’ needs, and offers them a variety of academic and pathways which will enable them to realise their full potential. Beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour including a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures are all critical skills and dispositions that we nurture, encourage and develop through our subjects and wider curriculum. Our Personal Development Curriculum, delivered twice weekly in form time, helps students to explore the issues facing themselves, their communities and global communities,

as well as giving the, the opportunity to learn more about themselves, their development and keeping themselves safe.

Through a variety of assemblies and events in school we celebrate, respect and explore the different faiths of the school. Last term we celebrated Diwali with year 7, 8 and 9 learning about, and creating their own, rangoli patterns and lanterns.

Events such as the English Department’s Narnia Day aim to stimulate and enthuse pupils with a love of Literature and DEAR time (Drop Everything and Read) allows pupils daily to indulge in twenty minutes with their favourite book.

Throughout the year the House system plays a huge role in developing SMSC awareness; each house chooses a charity to raise money for, and each house has three house banquets each year- a chance to feast, celebrate and enjoy a unique dining experience with form tutors and Head of House.

Our annual talent show, Fulwood’s Got Talent, is a highlight of the school calendar, and every year we are astonished and proud of the talent, confidence and teamwork that our young people, in every year group, display.

British Values

The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools 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.” At Fulwood Academy these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is rife within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Student Council and student voice questionnaires, and vote for their choice of form representatives, as well as winners of events such as Fulwood’s Got Talent. Our very own version of the Tower of London’s Poppy display helped pupils to understand and explore their feelings about those who have fallen fighting for Democracy and Liberty throughout the world.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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 authorities such as the Police help reinforce this message.

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 young pupils to make

choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Personal Development Curriculum and RE lessons. Whether it is through choice of activity in takeaway homeworks or their choice of which one of our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities they participate in, pupils are given the freedom to make choices

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Be Nice’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. We also have introduced the confidential Sharp system by which pupils are able to notify us of any incidents of bullying.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. A programme of assemblies and events, such as our Diwali events where KS3 pupils learnt to make Rangoli patterns and lanterns whilst learning about the principles underpinning Diwali, celebrate cultural diversity and are supported by learning in RE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school..