Skip to contentSkip to footer

We Value Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking 'Allow All', you consent to our use of cookies. For further details, please see our cookies policy.

View navigation

Red Kite Learning Trust

Learning at Crawshaw Academy

SMSC

At Crawshaw Academy, we believe that every student should leave us not only with excellent academic outcomes, but also with the personal qualities, values and confidence to thrive in modern society.

Our commitment to Respect, Integrity and Determination underpins everything we do. SMSC development is embedded throughout academy life, helping students become reflective, responsible and respectful individuals who make a positive contribution to their communities.

Through our curriculum, Personal Development programme, enrichment opportunities and everyday experiences, students are encouraged to develop their character, understand the world around them and appreciate the diversity of modern Britain.

What is SMSC?

Spiritual

Students are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences, develop curiosity about the world around them and express themselves creatively. Opportunities for reflection, imagination and personal growth are embedded throughout the curriculum and wider academy life.

Moral

Students develop an understanding of right and wrong, explore ethical issues and learn to make informed decisions. They are encouraged to recognise the consequences of their actions, respect the law and consider different viewpoints with empathy and integrity.

Social

Students build the skills to work collaboratively, communicate effectively and contribute positively to their community. Through leadership opportunities, teamwork and enrichment activities, they develop confidence, resilience and respect for others.

Cultural

Students gain an appreciation of Britain's rich cultural heritage alongside the diversity of cultures, traditions and beliefs found across the world. They are encouraged to celebrate difference, challenge stereotypes and value the contributions of others.

SMSC Across the Curriculum

SMSC development is embedded across all curriculum areas, providing meaningful opportunities for students to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally through their learning.

Subject Examples of SMSC Development
English Diverse literature, moral dilemmas, empathy for characters, debate and discussion, exploring different cultures.
Mathematics Problem-solving, resilience, perseverance, logical thinking and collaborative learning.
Science Scientific enquiry, ethical issues, environmental responsibility and curiosity about the natural world.
History Democracy, moral questions, historical interpretations, empathy and understanding different societies.
Geography Sustainability, global issues, environmental responsibility and cultural diversity.
Religious Studies World religions, ethics, beliefs, respect, reflection and philosophical enquiry.
Modern Foreign Languages European Day of Languages, cultural traditions, communication and global awareness.
Physical Education Teamwork, leadership, resilience, fair play, healthy lifestyles and competition.
Computing & Business Online safety, business ethics, employment law, social media, discrimination and the impact of business on society.
Art & Design Technology Creativity, self-expression, educational visits, collaboration and appreciation of artistic traditions.
Drama Performance, confidence, teamwork, communication, empathy and exploring different perspectives.
Food & Nutrition Healthy lifestyles, food hygiene, cultural food traditions, practical responsibility and teamwork.
Media Media representation, ethics, stereotypes, critical thinking and responsible communication.
Music Performance, creativity, collaboration and appreciation of music from different cultures and traditions.

SMSC Beyond the Classroom

Students also develop their Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural understanding through the wider life of the academy. Opportunities include:

  • Assemblies and tutor programme
  • Personal Development and Curriculum for Life
  • Student Forum and Student Leadership Team
  • Educational visits and residentials
  • Musical performances and drama productions
  • Sporting fixtures and competitions
  • Clubs and enrichment activities
  • Charity fundraising and community projects
  • Celebrating events such as Black History Month, Chinese New Year and European Day of Languages
  • Visits from external speakers and local organisations

These experiences help students develop confidence, empathy, resilience and a strong sense of belonging, preparing them to make a positive contribution to life in modern Britain.

“Leaders pay equal attention to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils as they do to academic standards. They place high importance on preparing students for life in modern Britain by devoting curriculum time to important moral and social questions.”

“Leaders have created an inclusive school where they seek to support students. Leaders understand some of the difficulties that pupils face at times in their life, and they carefully consider how to support pupils’ emotional well-being. Bullying is infrequent and, where it does occur, pupils say that it is dealt with effectively.”

Ofsted 2019

Crawshaw Academy is part of Red Kite Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7523507, registered office address: Red Kite Office, Pannal Ash Road, Harrogate, HG2 9PH