At Knowles Primary School, we are proud that our pupils represent a diverse background. We are dedicated in supporting our children to learn about human diversity, and instil in them the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to live together.

We recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.

We believe that Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development is the heart of education; helping pupils grow and develop as people so they will engage fully in learning and develop into citizens who actively and positively contribute to society. Pupils have the opportunity to:

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

• Develop an awareness of and respect for themselves
• Develop an awareness of and respect for others
• Be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
• Gain knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
• Have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
• Use imagination and creativity in their learning 
• Reflect on their experiences

MORAL DEVELOPMENT

• Recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives. Recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England
• Understand how their behaviour and actions have consequences
• Investigate and offer reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

• Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Develop a 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
• Learn about and engage the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

• Recognise, understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
• Understand and appreciate the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
• Recognise and value the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
• Learn about Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
• Develop a willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
• Develop an interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept and respect diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities.