Rationale

At Newman Catholic College the personal development of students is a fundamental part of the academic and pastoral work of the school. To this end, we want to develop students spiritually, morally, socially and culturally and ensure that they are treated as individuals.

We aim to deliver spiritual, moral, social and cultural education through all aspects of school life; curriculum, Citizenship and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, extra-curricular activities, school trips, the pastoral system, assemblies as well as themes events. No school can effectively promote the personal development of its young people without the partnership of parents and the wider community. We therefore do our best to engage these key stakeholders in this endeavour and work closely with them whenever possible.

Implementation of the policy

Newman Catholic College has a very clear ethos in terms of the way we treat ourselves and each other. As a school:

• We offer positive and realistic examples and role models for students to follow • We provide opportunities for reflection, discussion, advice and support to enable them to set personal goals and develop self-awareness and self esteem
• All departments understand the importance they play in contributing to the personal development of each student
• Provide opportunities for all students to study Religious Education and Citizenship and follow parallel modules through the Work Skills programme
• Our pastoral teams work closely to ensure the tutor and assembly programmes have the aims of this policy in mind the delivery is appropriate for each year group
• Students have opportunities to reflect deeply on moral or social issues relating to school life and the wider world
• Students are offered first hand opportunities to meet different people, visit different places and discuss different belief structures and faiths

How will we monitor the implementation of SMSC?

• The Assistant Headteacher in charge of SMSC will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the implementation and ensuring appropriate progression through the school
• The Assistant Headteacher, will report SMSC outcomes each year in the school Self Evaluation Form (SEF)
• Heads of Departments will be responsible for ensuring that SMSC development opportunities are exploited and flagged up wherever possible and evidence recorded in their departments
• Examples of good practice are shared at Staff meetings