Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

The school has a supportive Christian ethos where pupils can be individuals, develop respect for others and be respected themselves. Christian values underpin all aspects of the school’s work
We offer pupils the opportunity to develop a sense of purpose based on agreed Christian Values
Pupils are encouraged to be reflective during collective worship and in R.E and PSHE lessons
The school follows the Durham Agreed syllabus for R.E and this is supported by other curriculum areas
Celebration assembly enables pupils to share and celebrate their and other pupil’s, successes and achievements. Celebrating talents allows pupils to develop a sense of self
Pupils take part in prayer and are helped to reflect on how biblical messages are relevant to their lives today
Pupils visit special places e.g. St Mary’s Church Shincliffe and Durham Cathedral
We have a rich and varied curriculum and seek to develop creative and imaginative responses to art and music. Pupils are encouraged to explore and develop that which animates them
During the school day there is time for peace, happiness, tranquility

A clear moral code provides the basis for behaviour and this is promoted consistently through all aspects of school life
Policies and curriculum planning provide opportunities for children to explore questions of right and wrong and explore moral codes. Pupils and staff discuss the outcomes and consequences of actions
Pupils regularly raise funds for related charities and understand what is happening in other parts of the world
Pupils feel comfortable to express their views and show good sportsmanship
Children participate in community projects such as planting with the Parish Council
The school environment, through display etc., reinforces the values of the school community
School rules, rewards and sanctions are clearly defined and understood
Staff and older children act as role models during everyday life
We teach the difference between right and wrong and adults consistently model, through the quality of relationships in school, fairness, integrity, justice, respect and conflict resolution
Class rules are drawn up by the children and teacher at the beginning of the year
Code of conducts are used for internet safety and bullying and shared with parents
The getting along scheme this is used to support children in school

We foster a sense of community and our pupils are tolerant and respectful of difference. We promote equality
We take opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Among others, we support, Children in Need, the Durham Foodbank and Christian Aid
New pupils adjust well to the school and are firmly accepted by their classmates
We develop our pupils’ leadership skills and give them opportunities to exercise responsibility: for example through the School Council, Playground Leaders, Worship Committee and Junior Librarians
Buddy schemes – children in Year 6 are buddies to children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 in order to help them at lunchtimes and playtimes
Children in Y6 are buddies with children in Year 2 to support them with their reading
Children in Year 5 are Maths buddies with children in Year 3
Playground leaders – several children are trained in playground leadership – they promote fair play and introduce games to the children at break times
School Council – meet half termly to look at ways to improve our school
A range of afterschool clubs are offered and are usually oversubscribed
Residential trips are offered in upper KS2 to promote positive corporate experiences
Pupils join with other pupils from local schools to participate in sports contests and collaborate in teams to compete against other clusters of schools

Termly International Days allow pupils the opportunity to explore their own cultural assumptions and values
We have links with schools throughout the world and hold the International Schools Award
Regular visitors from around the world and a visit to France to visit our partner school, extend pupils’ knowledge and use of cultural imagery and language
We recognise and nurture pupils’ particular gifts and talents. All are encouraged to be the best that they can be
We provide opportunities for pupils to participate in literature, drama, music, art, crafts and other cultural events and encourage pupils to reflect on their significance
We develop partnerships with outside agencies and individuals to extend pupils’ cultural awareness, for example, theatre, museum, concert and gallery visits, resident artists and foreign exchanges
We reinforce the school’s cultural values through displays, posters, exhibitions etc