Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Parents, staff and learners' belief in the school and its vision was a delight to hear and confirmed that the ethos of Wootton Park enables all learners to strive for their potential and be supported academically, socially, personally and emotionally.

Kerry Hill, SMSC Verifier, May 2019

Inclusion and community values are at the heart of our school, whose vision is based upon three distinctive principles - Attainment for All, Public Service and Stronger Society.

We support and embrace the uniqueness and individuality of our learners, recognising that their achievements and experiences at school will have a profound impact upon their lives.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development is crucial for individual learners and it is crucial for society as a whole. We believe it is the heart of what education is all about helping learners grow and develop as people.

On 24th May 2019, we welcomed a visit from a SMSC verifier. We are delighted that we have been awarded the Silver level of the National Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural (SMSC) Quality Mark. This is an amazing achievement and we have already started work to achieve our Gold level!

Kerry Hill, SMSC Verifier, reported on 

• ​"The pride that all stakeholders met during my visit have in being members of the school community sharing in its vision and its commitment.
• Your strong curriculum ethos and principles which encourages the promotion of SMSC, developing self-motivated, engaged, critical thinkers and thoughtful learners who have a desire to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities.
• The positive, warm and trusting relationships between all those at Wootton Park. Learners articulated knowing that the staff are there to support them and develop them as well-rounded, holistic individuals.
• Parents spoke of the honest, open and family feel of the school and about the level of nurture provided by school staff, which makes a real difference to their children.
• The interconnectedness of the Primary and Secondary Phases fosters a strong sense of belonging, caring and mutual support for all ages of the school.
• Your wide range of enrichment provision and opportunities for learners, within and outside of the school day. Children are keen to be involved in the range of additional opportunities and relish these.
• Recognising and investing in the learners and the well-being of staff- so everyone feels valued and receives the support they need through activities such as well-being Wednesdays and drop ins. Learners report feeling comfortable and confident to approach staff for support and help.
• The commitment to providing leadership opportunities to promote independence, responsibility and engage learners in the decision making and life of your school.
• The range of activities to develop a sense of community cohesion, from hearing about skills swaps, grandparents days, charity work and in particular your work with the neighboroughing Police headquarters on criminal science.
• A core feature of your curriculum being the development of collaboration, thinking and questioning skills and developing self-esteem and confidence."

“The promotion of pupils’ understanding of British values and of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development lies at the heart of the school’s work”. 

Ofsted report 2019