SMSC, School & British Values

Our July 2019 Ofsted report states that:

"They (The Phoenix Primary School & Nursery) have created a strong ethos based on the school’s motto of ‘enter to learn, leave to achieve’. They take every opportunity to promote the school’s own values and how they link to British values, celebrate diversity and remind pupils of the importance of respect and care for one another. This adds significantly to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development”

“Weekly assemblies promote pupils’ understanding of the beliefs of people from different cultural backgrounds and help them consider the lives of others. Pupils feel that they can share their views and personal concerns and, if they do, they are confident that staff will follow them up."

Acts of Collective Worship (Assemblies)

In accordance with the principles outlined by Essex SACRE, acts of collective worship at The Phoenix Primary School and Nursery are meaningful and relevant to all those present. They:

1. Promote a sense of community.

2. Are educational.

3. Promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.

4. Are a special time.

5. Enable participants to be actively involved.

6. Are of high quality.

Collective worship is mainly of a broadly Christian character, though not distinctive of any particular Christian denomination. Collective worship that is ‘broadly Christian’ is inclusive in that it deals with universal human values and issues that concern us all, Christians and non-Christians. It is about our duty as a school to develop pupils spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. This includes learning about interesting cultural traditions and their meaning, listening to stories with a moral message and reflecting on themes such as strength, courage or loyalty. Collective worship  draws pupil's attention to our school values both as a body and in each individual. Collective worship is about the growth of the person, their character and social outlook, whatever their academic aptitudes.

Nursery have acts of collective worship as a class.

We have a school poem that we all say at the end of assemblies. It reflects the peaceful, calm, caring and nurturing environment that is our school.

Our Shared Vision

This is our school,

Let peace dwell here,

Let the room be full of contentment,

Let love surround us;

Love of man-kind,

Love of one another, 

And love of life itself.

Just as many hands build a house,

So as many hearts build a school.

The Phoenix Primary School & Nursery 

Acts of Collective Worship Themes (Assemblies)

Acts of collective worship are appropriate for the pupils, in that they take account of pupils’ ages, aptitudes and family backgrounds, and are delivered to a class, a year group, a key stage or to the whole school.

Once a week, children have a singing assembly. 

Every Friday, children have Celebration Assembly.

For more information please see our Collective Worship Policy and The Essex Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) Guidance on Collective Worship 2013, that are attached on this page.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At The Phoenix Primary School and Nursery, we promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding and development. The following definitions are our shared beliefs which you will see being positively nurtured and celebrated all around our school environment.

Spiritual Development

Spiritual Development is the emotional well being of the child or adult both as an individual and as part of the school community. It is the development of values, principles and beliefs which enable an individual to respond deeply to the world around them.

Moral Development

Moral Development is the growth of a set of key values, principles and beliefs, along with a considered understanding of right and wrong. It is the awareness that there are consequences for every action and choices we make collectively and as individuals. It leads to a tolerance of difference, and a deeper understanding of moral and ethical issues within a variety of contexts.

Social Development

Social Development is the development of social skills to enable and empower us to be part of the class, school, community and wider world, and to make new positive relationships. It develops the skills to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds and, where necessary, to work as part of a team, providing compassion and collaboration.

Cultural Development

Cultural Development is bringing the school community together, based on a mutual tolerance and understanding towards different faiths, cultures and ways of life. It develops self confidence in expressing pride in one’s own beliefs and culture in a safe, respectful way. Additionally, it promotes learning and understanding of the various festivals, celebrations and faiths celebrated in our school, local area and the wider world.

British Values

Promoting British Values

The 2014 Primary National Curriculum reinforces:

“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 the law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

All schools have a duty to ‘”actively promote” the fundamental British values stated above.

At The Phoenix Primary School and Nursery we promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils and through  this demonstrate  our commitment to fostering fundamental British values.

• We explore, respect and value the cultures and beliefs of ourselves and others.
• We respond to situations in an appropriate manner.
• We recognise that every action has a consequence.
• We recognise our achievements and praise one another.
• Our ideas and voices are listened to.
• We value our education and endeavour to attend school every day.
• We are aware of the wider world and how to explore it safely.
• We contribute to our community.
• We make choices in a safe and supportive environment.

Meeting the requirements for collective worship, establishing a strong school ethos supported by effective relationships throughout the school, and providing relevant activities beyond the classroom are all ways that we ensure pupil’s SMSC development.

SMSC inc FBV Policy

We display a number of posters in class to support children’s SMSC development.

If you have any further enquiries regarding SMSC or British Values, please see Miss Johnson, the SMSC Leader.