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New Perspectives … on creating an environment to enhance spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

RATIONALE

This course will help participants explore and understand more about what spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, the links between these aspects of personal development and the importance of creating an appropriate environment, both within the classroom and the whole school, to enhance this. The course will also explore both how this is linked to raised standards of attainment and the challenges that this presents to a narrow view of standards. Drawing on Tony Eaude’s book, 'Children's Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development', it emphasises the importance of relationships and the teacher’s own beliefs and values.

AUDIENCE

This course is designed for headteachers, teachers and other staff in one primary school, or group of small schools, or groups of teachers in training or on in-service courses, whatever their level of knowledge and experience. It can be adapted, where appropriate, for groups from different settings, such as school advisers or those three years into teaching.

TIMESCALE AND COMMITMENT

The course can be run either as a training day or a set of two or three staff meetings. Where there are separate sessions, additional benefit can be gained by the reflection and conversation which occurs, and is encouraged, between sessions. A conversation with the head, senior member of staff or course leader, in advance, will be valuable to determine the current level of knowledge and experience of potential participants and to establish the specific objectives to be met.

INTENDED OUTCOMES

Participants will:

• explore briefly the main aspects of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development;

• consider the importance of context and environment in children’s learning and the features of a classroom environment to enhance SMSC; and

• be helped to reflect on the implications and dilemmas for their own practice and that of their school in providing such an environment.

This course can be linked to the development of a school's learning and teaching policy and/or the self-evaluation process. As with all 'New Perspectives ...' courses, it is hoped that participants will come to see their teaching in fresh and innovative ways, building on and enhancing their professional knowledge and providing new energy and motivation.

To discuss this course, or others offered by 'New Perspectives...', and how they can be most useful in your own context, please feel free to contact Dr Tony Eaude, 6 Long Wall, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4PG on 01865 711135 (phone/fax) or tony@edperspectives.org.uk