SMSC
SMSC at Penwortham Priory Academy
At Penwortham Priory Academy, our SMSC provision (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development) is central to preparing our pupils to become reflective, responsible and well‑rounded young people. It forms a core strand of our wider Personal Development provision, supporting our young people in developing not only academically but as thoughtful, empathetic and engaged citizens.
We recognise that effective SMSC development happens not only in standalone opportunities, but across the whole curriculum and through the daily life of the school. Whether through subject learning, pastoral support, assemblies, enrichment activities or wider opportunities, pupils have plentiful opportunities that strengthen their sense of identity, foster respect for others, and help them understand the world they live in. The structure of our SMSC provision reflects Priory’s commitment to nurturing character and supporting our young people to engage meaningfully with the world beyond the classroom.
Spiritual growth at Priory focuses on supporting pupils to develop self‑awareness, curiosity and reflection. Through our curriculum and wider school culture, our young people are encouraged to explore values, consider different perspectives, reflect on their own beliefs and respond with imagination to the world around them. This reflective approach is embedded throughout our Personal Development provision and enriches pupils’ experiences across subjects and activities.
Our moral provision helps our young people develop a strong sense of right and wrong, understand the consequences of their actions, and form reasoned viewpoints on topical and ethical issues. Opportunities to consider real‑world dilemmas and debate ideas respectfully are threaded throughout academic subjects, tutor time and the pastoral system, reinforcing responsible decision‑making and mutual respect.
At Priory we value cooperation, community and positive relationships. Our young people develop social skills by working with others, engaging in collaborative learning, and participating in a wide range of school and community based activities. We encourage pupils to contribute to school life, appreciate diverse perspectives, and practise the skills needed for effective teamwork and leadership. SMSC is also a core part of our wider Personal Development provision, which supports pupils in building confidence and resilience.
Cultural development at Priory aims to broaden pupils’ horizons and deepen their appreciation of the rich cultural landscape around them. Through curriculum experiences, creative subjects, extracurricular opportunities, and wider enrichment, pupils explore artistic, musical, historical and social influences that shape both their own identities and the wider community. This helps them develop cultural capital and respect for diversity.
