Opportunities for the teaching of British Values and the development of SMSC are also woven through our curriculum and we are fully committed to ensuring all aspects of equality are fully addressed within an inclusive learning environment where everybody is valued and represented. At Thorplands we seek to achieve our vision by providing a welcoming, happy, safe, and supportive learning environment in which everyone is equal, where opportunities are for all and all achievements are celebrated

Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) Education 

Out PSHE curriculum, Jigsaw, provides a structured programme of personal development to nurture the ‘whole child’ and increase learning capacity, underpinned by mindfulness philosophy and practice. Every Jigsaw lesson from Early Years to upper primary offers opportunities for children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, and this is clearly mapped and balanced across each year group. Likewise, Jigsaw is designed to provide structured opportunities in every lesson to practise and enhance the five skills associated with the emotional literacy (self-awareness, social skills, empathy, motivation and managing feelings). See our SMSC curriculum journeys for more information. 

British Values 

Children learn about the British Values through assemblies and classroom discussions. They are also covered through our PSHE, RE, History and Geography curriculum. In PSHE the Jigsaw units are closely linked to the teaching of British values and more information can be found within the individual schemes of work. 

At Thorplands Primary School, our PSHE approach is further developed through: 

• Termly e-safety lessons (through our ICT curriculum) 
• Anti-bullying awareness 
• Liaison with outside agencies 
• School Council 
• Pupil Voice 
• Our positive behaviour strategy based on the works of Paul Dix (ready, respectful, safe.) 
• Inclusion opportunities 
• Community links 
• Sports Leaders 
• Supporting local and wider world charities 
• Digital Leaders 
• Picture News Assemblies fortnightly and other assemblies throughout the year. 

The Protected Characteristics 

We promote equality and pupils’ understanding of the protected characteristics through our PSHE curriculum. See the document ‘how we teach the protected characteristics at Thorplands Primary School’. They are also covered through our RE, History and Geography curriculum as well as the English curriculum and assemblies.