SMSC and British Values at Spa Camberwell
At Spa Camberwell, the promotion of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, alongside British values, is embedded throughout our curriculum and is the responsibility of every member of our school community. We focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in modern British society, ensuring they develop tolerance, respect, and empathy towards others.
What is SMSC?
- Spiritual Development
Spiritual development at Spa School Camberwell fosters a sense of self-awareness, reflection, and a respect for differing beliefs and values. We encourage our students to appreciate the world around them, be curious about different perspectives, and reflect on their personal experiences. Our creative arts, visits from external groups like Circus Sensible, Ranger Stu, and our Living Eggs program offer opportunities for students to engage with their imagination and reflect on the natural world. Through these experiences, our pupils develop respect and curiosity about themselves and others. - Moral Development
We help students develop a strong sense of right and wrong through our tailored teaching and behaviour support. Students are encouraged to reflect on their actions and understand the consequences of their actions. The importance of kindness, respect, and emotional regulation is woven into our daily practice. Social stories are frequently used to help students understand the perspectives of others, while our approach ensures students learn to regulate their emotional responses, improving their ability to build friendships and navigate social situations. - Social Development
Social skills are explicitly taught through personalised support and curriculum pathways, including social communication skills, communication targets, and specific Personal Learning Plan goals. We encourage students to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds through activities like our Community Learning program, including off-site visits to local parks, the Camberwell Library, and educational trips that promote social interaction in the wider community. KS3 and KS4 students engage in weekly community lessons where they practice applying these skills in real-world settings, such as during visits to places like Burgess Park Café or Camberwell Leisure Centre. - Cultural Development
Cultural development at Spa School Camberwell is woven throughout our enrichment activities and curriculum. We aim to instil an understanding and appreciation of the cultural influences that shape our world. Cultural awareness is celebrated through a range of events and activities, including World Book Day, special celebrations like Children’s Mental Health Week, and a variety of enrichment activities such as the family disco and school assemblies. We also embrace diverse cultures in our learning, promoting understanding through the arts, music, and history. Students participate in creative arts clubs, like Art and Crafts Club, where they explore their own cultural heritage as well as the broader world around them. Our school celebrates the rich diversity of our school community and teaches students to respect and value cultural differences.
British Values at Spa Camberwell
We ensure that our students engage with these values through every aspect of school life:
- Democracy
We foster a sense of democracy by encouraging students to participate in decision-making processes, such as voting for class representatives and contributing to decisions about school life. Our School Council gives students a voice, allowing them to discuss and vote on topics that matter to them, from school lunch choices to playground equipment. - The Rule of Law
The importance of following rules is central to our behaviour support and moral development program. We teach students to understand the rules and laws that govern their lives and why it is important to respect them, whether in school or the wider community. Students are taught about the consequences of their actions and encouraged to make positive choices that align with the values of respect and kindness. - Individual Liberty
Students are encouraged to express themselves and make choices about the activities they engage in, from our Special Interests clubs to choosing their own learning paths and extracurricular activities. The freedom to explore new interests, try new things, and be themselves is celebrated at Spa School Camberwell. - Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Spa School Camberwell, we promote mutual respect by celebrating the diverse cultures and beliefs within our school community. Through activities like the Happiness Project, we teach students to respect others' values, and we actively encourage acceptance of different faiths and beliefs. Our visits, such as to the Tower Bridge or Orchard Hill Career Fair, allow students to engage with different perspectives and understand the importance of tolerance and mutual respect in a diverse society.
Assemblies at Spa Camberwell
