SMSC

We have and are continuing to develop regular, informal community links with the local constabulary and religious community. The children are learning to apply what they learn as part of British Values. They learn about democracy, voting and making decisions and put that into practice by voting for and appointing their own school councilors to speak on their behalf and form a plan of how they wish to make changes to the school and involve the local community. (See separate information on the school council.) In this they are encouraged to listen to each other, take turns and understand that people may have different opinions and ideas, that this is acceptable and how to solve issues democratically and to emotionally handle it.

As a school we provide regular opportunities to participate in sporting and cultural experiences, for example; annual trip to the theatre, museum visits, orchestral experience, train journey visit to London inncluding areas of interest linked to their curriculum theme. In the past we have taken children to the cinema, and a ballet at Norwich; experiences many had not previously enjoyed.

Additionally, King’s Oak Academy recognises the importance of sport in developing the whole person. Different specialists have worked with the school to ensure all children can access and are challenged appropriately. This has been further supported by a visit from a para-Olympian to the school for a sponsored event. The school engages in competitions with local and county schools. Events are planned for competitions with the MAT schools.

SMSC is not a stand-alone subject but opportunities are sought and planned for throughout the curriculum.

Spiritual Development

Pupils’ spiritual development is shown by their:

Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values;
Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them;
Use of imagination and creativity in their learning;
Willingness to reflect on their experiences.

At King’s Oak Academy we encourage the children to reflect on their learning and beliefs and to consider the feelings and ideas of those around them.

Our extensive outdoor areas allow our children the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical hands on experiences.

Moral Development

Pupils’ moral development is shown by their:

Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, readily apply this understanding in their own lives and in so doing so respect the civil and criminal law of England;
Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions;
Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues, and being able to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues.

The school also follows JIGSAW curriculum. The main aims are:

recognise emotions and values
make constructive choices about personal and social behaviour,
show understanding and empathy for others

Social Development

Pupils’ social development is shown by their:

Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with pupils from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds;
Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively;
Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

At King’s Oak Academy we are a multi-faith, socio and economic community. The children are encouraged to be tolerant of each other and take pride in their own faiths and cultures. They are taught about other faiths through the curriculum and have the opportunity to compare similarities and differences throughout the curriculum.

We work together to be mindful of others. Regular fundraising ensures the children recognise the importance working as a school community to promote and support people in need.

Cultural Development

Pupils’ cultural development is shown by their:

Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others;
Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures within school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain;
Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain;
Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities;
Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity, and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity, as shown by their tolerance and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.