Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

Preparing Students for Life in Modern Britain

Denbigh High School aims to prepare students for life in Modern Britain by delivering a comprehensive and ambitious academic curriculum; providing students with an awareness of safeguarding against the threats of modern life; and instilling values that promote an appreciation of living in a diverse and democratic society. We believe that through this students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and character to pursue a successful life in modern Britain after leaving Denbigh. 

Religious Education and Collective Worship

We have a tailored RE curriculum based on the needs of students that fulfils statutory requirements at Key Stage 3 ‘reflecting the main religious traditions of Great Britain’ [section 375(3) of the Education Act 1996]. This covers the main faiths of Great Britain: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism. All aspects of the KS3 national curriculum in citizenship are also covered in RE lessons and in form time activities. In RE we aim to teach students how to live in a respectful and tolerant, multi-faith society covering topics relevant to, and experienced by, young people in our community. 

All of our students follow a GCSE course in which they study Christianity and Islam in greater depth and where they are able to explore their own ideas on spiritual, philosophical, ethical and moral dilemmas as well as place their beliefs in the context of modern British society. 

The school has an exemption from the requirement to hold collective worship of a Christian character. Each year group has a weekly assembly based on a moral, spiritual or citizenship theme.

Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development is at the heart of the curriculum at Denbigh High School. The SMSC curriculum provides varying opportunities for all of our students to develop into well-rounded, prosocial citizens in school, their local community and beyond. The SMSC curriculum also prepares students for life in modern Britain, developing the values of mutual tolerance and respect, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. We believe that high quality SMSC is crucial in supporting our core aim: ‘high achievement for all is our shared responsibility’.

Through the SMSC curriculum we aim to help students:

Spiritual – Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use their imagination and creativity; develop the ability to be reflective and cultivate a sense of wonder about the world.

Moral - Recognise right and wrong; understand consequences of actions and the impact they may have on others; investigate moral and ethical issues where there are differences of opinion; understand and respect the rule of law.

Social – Appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; work in teams effectively; engage with others whilst having a respect of individual liberty (within the bounds of the law) and a mutual tolerance and respect for others who may hold different views or beliefs.

Cultural - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in activities that develop cultural capital; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

The SMSC curriculum is delivered through a pastoral programme of weekly form time activities; routine assemblies; our house system and student voice; learning leader and digital leader programmes; school trips and visits; workshops and visits from outside speakers; a full extra-curricular programme of clubs and activities at lunchtime and after school; volunteering and charity work. SMSC is also threaded throughout the academic curriculum with all subjects making the most of the myriad of opportunities to develop our students' understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues.