Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education underpins the curriculum at Tower Road Academy.  We know that the personal development of pupils, including SMSC development, plays a significant role in their ability to learn and grow into well rounded, caring members of society. 

Coverage and development of SMSC characteristics, including the British Values, has been carefully mapped out through the broad curriculum and throughout a range of texts.  Not only are the characteristics explicitly taught in many curriculum subjects, they are also actively promoted within the life of the school every day through our school values, assemblies and whole school systems.  

Examples of spiritual development at Tower Road Academy include:

• In RE lessons from EYFS - Year 6, children explore several different faiths in depth. Children are taught to show respect and understanding to those with different faiths and beliefs. Regular visits to a variety of religious places of worship, such as Boston mosque and Peterborough Cathedral, enhance the RE curriculum.

• Visits to school from local groups such as Holy Trinity Church and the Road HoG bus who support Year 6 pupils in their transition to secondary school. 
• A sense of awe and wonder is promoted in every curriculum subject and in our teaching approaches, e.g., enquiry-based learning. 
• We seek to ensure there is no ceiling on the children's creativity. Creativity is actively promoted through our commitment to the Artsmark. 

Examples of moral development at Tower Road Academy include:

• The school has a strong vision and set of values which permeates all aspects of school life; these values support the pupil's understanding of right and wrong. The Behaviour and Rewards policy, and School Improvement Plan, is built around those values. 
• Protected Characteristics are discussed regularly at an age-appropriate level. 

• The School Parliament regularly discusses issues at a school and community level, as well as global issues.

• Bespoke safeguarding training educates children about how to keep themselves safe and the laws associated with this, e.g., NSPCC workshops, SOLDAS (domestic abuse) and online safety. 

Examples of social development at Tower Road Academy include:

• The school has a strong team ethos, supported by many sporting teams and other groups which run within the school (House Ambassadors, School Parliament, Playground Buddies).

• We engage in community activities regularly, such as Rudy's Run for Lincolnshire St Barnabas Hospice, activities with Skirbeck Court (residential care home), seasonal events in the town and sports fixtures.

• Carefully mapped assemblies discuss important social themes such as poverty and prejudice.

• Throughout Black History Month, the school explicitly celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world in reading lessons and assemblies.  This is referred to throughout the year for an opportunity to discuss racism and ensure Black history is represented. 

• The School Parliament runs like a General Election and the Members of Parliament (representing a wide range of ‘departments’) are elected democratically. Within their ‘cabinet’, children then elect a Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

• Pupil voice is encouraged and heard regularly by a range of staff and governors.

• Discussions and debates are a regular feature of our curriculum, encouraging children to listen and respect the views of each other.  

Examples of cultural development at Tower Road Academy include:

• Texts throughout the curriculum have been carefully selected to explore and understand different cultures and diversity.
• Opportunities to talk about pupils' own cultures and traditions are promoted.
• Arts and cultural opportunities are plentiful throughout the broad and balanced curriculum, and from our wide-ranging extra curricular club offer, for example, drama club, art club and choir.  
• The curriculum is enhanced through visits to London's West End, The National Art and Craft Centre (The Hub) in Sleaford, and Young Voices. 
• Tolerance and respect of other cultures is taught explicitly and referred to regularly.