SMSC
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)
Assembly, SMSC and British Values
Haileybury Turnford enriches the curriculum through a comprehensive assembly programme that supports students’ personal development and raises awareness of key issues, faiths, events, and practices. Weekly assemblies are delivered to year groups with age-appropriate content and include opportunities for guest speakers and external programmes.
Assemblies promote the Haileybury Turnford Character Traits, encouraging students to be the best version of themselves. These sessions are a key part of our wider curriculum, promoting the school ethos, fostering British Values, and supporting social, moral, spiritual, and cultural awareness.
Assembly Programme 2025-26Autumn 2 2025-26 Assembly Rota
British Values
Respect, tolerance, and inclusiveness are central to life at Haileybury Turnford. Our community values every individual and encourages all to believe in their potential. The five fundamental British Values underpin our work: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Democracy
Students experience democracy through active participation in elections, such as the selection of Head Students and Student Leadership roles. Curriculum links in History, Religious Studies, and PSHE reinforce democratic principles.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules is reinforced regularly through class expectations, the Rewards, Behaviour & Discipline Policy, and tutor time discussions. Students are taught to understand the responsibility that comes with freedom and the consequences of breaking rules.
Individual Liberty
Students are encouraged to make informed, independent choices in a supportive environment. Through PSHE, online safety lessons, and strong pastoral systems, students learn about rights, freedoms, and personal responsibility.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a core expectation and integral to our ethos. Students learn how their behaviour affects others’ rights. Respect and empathy are reinforced through teaching, learning, and school activities.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Students explore and celebrate diversity across the curriculum and in assemblies. Religious Studies and PSHE provide opportunities to learn about different cultures and faiths. The school celebrates key cultural events throughout the year.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education and Citizenship
PSHE is taught as both a discrete subject and through the tutor programme. It complements all areas of study, helping students develop confidence, empathy, and life skills. The curriculum encourages students to see themselves as global citizens, developing resilience, responsibility, and critical thinking.
Our PSHE curriculum aims to help students:
• Develop personal attributes such as resilience, confidence, and empathy.
• Build skills to lead safe, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
• Form positive relationships and make informed decisions.
• Communicate effectively and engage as active learners.
• Participate as responsible citizens within the community.
Student Leadership and Voice
Student Voice is important at HT. Students from Years 7–13 participate in the Student Leadership Group, contributing to policy development and the wider school environment. Head Students chair meetings and present findings to students, governors and Senior Leaders.
Through participation, students develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, gain insight into professional meeting processes, and collaborate with governors and senior leaders.
Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) Education
SMSC opportunities allow students to reflect on their experiences, understand diversity, and develop confidence and respect. SMSC is embedded in lessons, assemblies, and tutor sessions.
- Social – Using social skills in different contexts and understanding community functions.
• Moral – Recognising right and wrong and making reasoned decisions.
• Spiritual – Exploring beliefs, values, and the world through creativity and reflection.
• Cultural – Appreciating diversity, participating in cultural events, and celebrating differences.
Examples of Enrichment and SMSC in Action
The following initiatives enhance SMSC at Haileybury Turnford and can be highlighted or updated annually:
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors – Trained through the Diana Award; lead campaigns and peer support.
• Cultural Exhibition and Fashion Show – Annual event celebrating diversity through performance and food.
• Diversity Group – Student-led initiative promoting equality and inclusion.
• External Webinars – e.g., School of Sexuality Education sessions for parents and carers.
Student Leadership Group Presentation slides
Student Leadership Group Meeting 1
Safeguarding Assembly Year 8-11
Awards and External Recognition
Haileybury Turnford has achieved recognition for wellbeing and personal development initiatives.
The SSAT Framework for Exceptional Education (FfEE)
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors have received training from the Diana Award in March 2023 and November 2023 and have received support, skills, practical ideas, knowledge and confidence to effectively tackle bullying in the school. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of bullying, leading on campaigns and promoting kindness. They have held a charity events to raise for School Diversity, led student assemblies, supported Anti-Bullying Week events, established an Anti-Bullying drop-in surgery for students needing support and continue to meet regularly to advise the school on how we can support our Anti-Bullying campaign.
Anti-Racism and Black Lives Matter Committee
The Black Lives Matter Committee’s purpose is to celebrate and raise awareness for our different cultures. In our committee so far, we have discussed and presented on our history. It is Black History Month and in honour of this we have created and presented a whole school assembly. Each student had different information to deliver. There was information about Black history, slavery, how they were treated and afro hair. We learned about patterns resembling roads and paths to avoid. We felt this was significant to share since stereotypical views are leading to unequal rights. Moving forward we hope to educate others on the good as well of the bad features on Black history.
HT Black Lives Matter Committee (BLMC) are a group of 24 student leaders and ambassadors for the school who proactively promote anti-racism and inclusivity in our school community.
Diversity Group
We have a group of diversity student ambassadors leading this work at HT.
Documents:
Relationships and Sex Education Policy |
Download |
How SMSC is promoted within Curriculum Areas |
Download |
