At Lowther Endowed School, our children, their families, our staff and are community do not really represent a diverse range of home backgrounds and cultures. It is therefore even more important that we constantly look at our curriculum and ensure that we embrace, include and teach about diversity wherever we can. We teach a topic based curriculum which links with the national curriculum. It also incorporates the interests of children and we are working hard to support them in becoming good local, national and global citizens of the future.

Intent

At Lowther Endowed School, we are committed to nurturing pupils who are thoughtful, respectful, and responsible members of society. Through the promotion of British Values and wider Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development, we aim to equip our children with the knowledge, understanding, and attitudes they need to contribute positively to life in modern Britain and the wider world.

Our curriculum and school ethos are designed to ensure that all pupils:

• Understand and live by the fundamental British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

• Develop a strong moral compass and a clear sense of right and wrong.

• Learn to appreciate cultural diversity and respect differences in faith, beliefs, values, and traditions.

• Build meaningful relationships and contribute positively to the school and wider community.

Implementation

British Values and SMSC are not taught as standalone subjects but are embedded across the curriculum and throughout school life in meaningful, age-appropriate ways:

• Spiritual development is supported through reflective activities, collective worship, RE lessons, and opportunities to explore beliefs, personal values, and a sense of self and purpose.

• Moral development is fostered through PSHE lessons, ethical discussions, restorative behaviour approaches, and encouraging children to consider the consequences of their actions.

• Social development is promoted through collaboration in learning, peer mentoring, participation in clubs, trips, school council, and links with the wider community.

• Cultural development is enriched through the study of a wide range of artists, authors, musicians, and traditions from different cultures and religions. We celebrate religious festivals, explore global issues, and develop understanding of both British heritage and global citizenship.

Examples of how British Values are implemented include:

• Democracy – Pupil voice through School Council, voting on class issues, collaborative decision-making.

• Rule of Law – Clear behaviour expectations, class charters, visits from police/fire service, discussions around justice.

• Individual Liberty – Encouraging safe choice-making, pupil-led learning, online safety education.

• Mutual Respect – Our core school values, restorative practices, collaborative learning.

• Tolerance – An inclusive RE curriculum, cultural celebrations, respectful dialogue and debate.

These values and SMSC elements are further reinforced in assemblies, PSHE/RSE, RE, history, literature, art, community involvement, and enrichment activities.

Impact

As a result of our integrated approach to British Values and SMSC:

• Pupils develop into respectful, kind, and thoughtful individuals who understand and value diversity.

• They are confident in expressing their ideas and beliefs while being able to listen to and respect those of others.

• Children demonstrate a strong sense of justice, fairness, and personal responsibility.

• Pupils feel part of a safe, inclusive school community and recognise their role in shaping it.

• By the end of their time at Lowther, pupils are well-prepared to be active, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society and are aware of their place in a wider, interconnected world.