Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education 2024/2025

Nursery

Today Nursery have learned all about the story ‘Hidden Figures’ which celebrates the accomplishments of four African American women, mathematicians- who played a pivotal role in the space race.We had a ‘space’ theme day and enjoyed baking ‘space’ star cookies and using ‘moon dough’ to make a space scene. We created our own black and white people using a range of materials and enjoyed creating our own drawings on the board relating to the story. In the afternoon, we used different types of construction such as the magnetic shapes, star link and duplo to create a rocket and we had fun working at the junk modelling table – creating a rocket out of different recycled materials. We got messy painting our own stars and made our own space scene - working on our cutting skills.

Year 1

To celebrate Black History Month we started by exploring the wonderful women from the past who have had an influence on the world through Maths. We created our own Equality acrostic poems to show that we know how to be kind and considerate to everyone. Then, we worked on creating our own aeroplanes and rockets using a variety of resources.

Year 2

Today we have been learning all about Black History Month. We started off by discussing that Black History Month is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of Black people to British society and culture. We read the story ’Hidden Figures’ and found out about Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden. We read inspirational quotes and talked about these before creating our own universe to link to the ‘Space Race’. We painted paper plates, painted them black and decorated them with stars, planets and glitter attaching our inspirational quotes.

Year 3

In Year 3, we discussed the origin of Black History month and the reasoning as to why we celebrate it. We also focused upon the ‘Hidden Figures’ story, creating collaborative fact files detailing the accomplishments of the 4 women. Then, we created handprint art to represent the women and added inspirational quotes on the back.

Year 4

In Year 4, students engaged with Black History Month by exploring the significance of the celebration and its impact on understanding history. They participated in a class vote, which helped them learn about democracy and the importance of every voice. The children have learnt about the story of "Hidden Figures," which showcased the contributions of African American women in NASA. Through this story, students gained insight into the challenges these women faced and their pivotal roles in space exploration. The children retold the story through creating their own TV broadcast.

Year 5

During SMSC day, Year 5 took part in creating a persuasive speech to encourage listeners to strive for equality. Our learning centred around the story ‘ Hidden Figures’, which revolves around four women who were working as computers during the 1940-1960s. The companies they worked for discriminated against then and together as a class we discussed how that would have affected their lives. In the afternoon, we created symmetrical Black History Month logos and created a class banner to showcase our work.

Year 6

In Year 6, we spent time learning about Black History Month, we focused on four famous Black female mathematicians and scientists who helped to make significant advances in the aeronautic and aerospace industry. We learned and recognised the hardships they lived through due to the segregation of black people and how they fought against it. During the morning, we created banners and speeches to replicate some of the protesting they would have done all those years ago. In the afternoon, we enjoyed creating artwork in the style of Andy Warhol based on the four inspirational women.

Nursery

Nursery have had a fabulous day learning all about Remembrance Day! We talked about the significance of the poppy and why people wear them. We discussed the fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen in the war and the children even explored some real military equipment. The children loved exploring the army tray and vehicles and they also enjoyed painting a poppy field using apples!

Year 1

We started the morning by understanding the importance of Remembrance Day.We discussed how animals played a crucial part in the war. To help us to understand how soldiers relied on these animals we used drama to act out what it would have been like as a soldier and animal during the war. We used all of this to produce a creative piece of writing, exploring the senses experienced by war animals. Take a look at some of our fantastic work!

Year 2

Today we have been learning all about Remembrance Day. We started the day off by discussing that Remembrance Day is all about remembering people who have sacrificed their lives serving the Country in the armed forces. We all took part in a 2 minute silence. We created our own acrostic poetry all about Remembrance Day. Our final task was to make our own poppy art using plastic bottles with red paint for the outline, a black paper circle for the centre and to draw on the green leaves.

Year 3

In Year 3, we discussed the origin of Remembrance Day and the symbolism of the Poppy. We then created a non-chronological report using the research that we acquired. Then, we created silhouette art to represent and remember the all of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Year 4

Year 4 had a lovely and meaningful day celebrating Remembrance Day as part of our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) learning. The children engaged in a variety of activities to reflect on the significance of this important day. They took part in a thoughtful quiz to test their knowledge about Remembrance Day and its history, followed by creating informative fact files to deepen their understanding of why we remember. The highlight of the day was making beautiful stained-glass windows, which allowed the children to express their respect and creativity while reflecting on the themes of remembrance and peace.

Year 5

During SMSC day, Year 5 we spent the day partaking in different activities to remember those soldiers who fought to protect us. We wrote letters to loved one as if we were stuck in the Trenches of World War 2. We discussed the hardships these soldiers faced, while also imagining the feelings that would’ve been going through their heads. Later on, we created a wide array of Poppies out of various materials. These poppies were then attached with notes to loved ones who may have fought in a war.

Year 6

To mark Remembrance Day, Year 6 delved into the past of the two world wars and why we mark this special occasion in the first place. The children learnt about the importance of having a 2 minute silence and all the people we should remember. To try to understand what it was like to be a soldier, we wrote a diary entry from the perspective of a solider in the trenches or on the beaches of Dunkirk waiting to be rescued by the English, In the afternoon, we created some artwork around the flower that represents this day –the poppy. We use a range of mediums including, paints, tissue paper, crayons, pencils and different patterns.

Nursery

Today Nursery learnt all about the celebration of Burns Night after Robert Burns. We danced to Auld Lang Syne which was written by Robert and listened to the tune of the bagpipes. We collaged the Scottish flag and made shortbread. We also had a go at weaving a tartan pattern into kilts and creating tartan patterns with paint. It was such a fun afternoon.

Year 1

This afternoon, year 1 explored what Burns Night was. We found out how this event was celebrated in Scotland and discussed the man this centres around: Robert Burn.We listened to Robert Burn’s infamous song ‘Auld Lang Syne’. We enjoyed having a sing along to this classic New Year tune.After, we had lots of fun creating highland cows! Take a look at our wonderful creations.

Year 2

Today Year 2 have learnt all about Robert Burns the Scottish poet and lyricist. We listened to one of his poems and discussed how the words used are very different today. We spoke about why he is celebrated and the types of food people eat traditionally on Burns night. Finally, we made our very own Scottish Tartan weave out of paper.

Year 3

In Year 3, we discussed Robert Burns, his legacy and the reasoning behind why Burns Night is a significant celebration. We researched and understood information about both Robert Burns and Burns Night, including his poetry and the traditional meal consumed on Burns Night. We concluded by making Thistles (The National Flower of Scotland) with some of Burns’ poetry added to the back.

Year 4

Year 4 have had a fantastic afternoon exploring the story of Burns Night and getting creative. They enjoyed learning about the traditions of the celebrations and then put their imagination to work by crafting their very own thistle bush. It was fun and engaging way to bring the Scottish heritage to life!

Year 6

During the afternoon, we took a look into the life of Robert Burns and delved into why he is such a famous Scottish man. We translated one of his famous poems— To a Mouse into English and looked at what the poem was depicting. As well as this we created some ‘Scottie Dog’ origami which was a complete success.

Nursery

Today, Nursery explored the month of Ramadan by learning about the importance of fasting and being thankful for our food. The children participated in many activities such as: creating a crescent moon and star - representing the opening and ending of fast. They created paper lantern decorations, made henna patterns to mark the celebration at the end of Ramadan, known as Eid and even tasted some delicious homemade samosas and dates famously eaten during Ramadan.

Reception

In Reception, we learnt about Ramadan and the importance of the festival to Muslims. We talked about the Qur’an being a special book and tried hard to think about what we have already learnt about other religions. We then spent the rest of the day creating a range of crafts!

Year 1

Year 1 had a wonderful day exploring Ramadan and the religious meaning behind this. We discussed the foods that Muslims choose to eat when they break their fast and the traditions behind this.Afterwards, we created our very own prayer mats. We incorporated as many Islamic symbols to this as we could. Take a look at some of our creations!

Year 2

In year 2 we have been learning about Ramadan. We learned that Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims. Ramadan is a period of ritual fasting. It marks the time when the Quran (their holy book) was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. We also learned about Eid Al-Fitr which is a celebration at the end of Ramadan and created our own cards. In our class we discussed and wrote about what Muslims do to be charitable during Ramadan. During the afternoon we made Eid Al Fitr cards using various designs.

Year 3

Today, to celebrate the start of Ramadan we have explored why Ramadan happens at different times of the year, every year. We then produced a diary entry as though we were fasting. During the afternoon, we created Islamic ornaments and coloured Islamic lanterns.

Year 4

Year 4 SMSC Day focused on celebrating Ramadan, with the children learning about its global traditions through research. They explored different ways Ramadan is observed around the world and created "Good Deeds Calendars" to reflect on positive actions. In the afternoon, the children made lanterns, a traditional Ramadan symbol. The day was a blend of cultural learning, kindness, and creativity.

Year 5

Today, to celebrate the start of Ramadan we have created a fact file detailing everything we know about Ramadan. We have explored why Ramadan happens at different times of the year every year. Then during the afternoon, we created Islamic tessellations in the style of Islamic art. We are aiming to celebrate in a variety of different ways that immerse us in Islamic culture.

Year 6

During the morning, Year 6 learned about why Ramadan is so important to Muslims and the reasons they abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. We took part in a debate within the class based on the question: Should children take part in Ramadan? In the afternoon, we sketched different mosques using a range of sketching techniques that we have been using during our Art lessons.

Nursery

In celebration of Red Cross Day, our children came together in a heart-warming display of unity and compassion by creating a giant red heart made entirely of their own handprints. Each handprint symbolizes care, kindness, and the spirit of helping others—values that lie at the heart of the Red Cross mission. Through this creative activity, the children not only learned about the important humanitarian work of the Red Cross but also experienced the power of working together to make a positive impact. Their vibrant handprints now proudly form a striking symbol of hope, reminding us all of the difference we can make with even the smallest act of kindness.

Reception

In Reception we learnt about the job that The Red Cross do, and the way that they help people who are in need. We talked about kindness and how we can help people too. We then created our own red cross sun catcher using tissue paper.

Year 1

Today we learned all about the amazing work the Red Cross does around the world to help people in need, especially during emergencies and disasters like floods, earthquakes, and fires.The children explored the different jobs Red Cross workers do, such as:

• Giving food and clean water
• Helping people find safe places to stay
• Providing medicine and first aid
• Rescuing families during floods

We got creative and made our own charity craft boxes, filling them with pretend supplies like food, blankets, water, and medicine — just like real Red Cross supply kits.It was a fun, thoughtful afternoon full of learning, creativity, and kindness.

Year 2

Year 2 had a fabulous time understanding the importance of this day. We wrote a simple ‘How to’ guide on how to be a good friend and then enjoyed making our helping hands wreath.

Year 3

Today, we learned about World Red Cross Day, which is celebrated every year on May 8th. This day honours the incredible work done by the Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations all over the world. We discovered that the Red Cross is a global organisation that helps people during emergencies like wars, earthquakes, floods and other disasters. Their main goal is to protect life and health, especially for people who are suffering. One of the most inspiring things we learned is how Red Cross volunteers help people. Some of them give first aid or help people who have lost their homes. Others support families to find missing relatives, and many provide food, water, and shelter during natural disasters.

They are kind, brave and always ready to help those in need. After learning all this, we wrote a letter of gratitude to the Red Cross and created some Red Cross heroes.

Year 4

As part of our SMSC Day celebrations, children explored the theme of World Red Cross Day, focusing on the core value that underpins the work of the Red Cross: kindness.Throughout the day, pupils engaged in thoughtful discussions about the importance of kindness in our daily lives, our school community, and the wider world. They learned about the humanitarian work carried out by the Red Cross and reflected on how small acts of compassion can have a big impact.

To celebrate this, each child created a "Bucket of Kindness" a visual collection of thoughtful ideas and pledges showing how they can demonstrate kindness towards others.

Year 5

Today in year 5, we have learnt about the Red Cross. We learnt that Red Cross provides aid and assistance to those affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies, both in the UK and internationally. They adhere to seven key principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, universality. In the afternoon, we created a fact file detailing the vital role of the Red Cross volunteers.

Year 6

Today in school, we learned about World Red Cross Day, which is celebrated every year on May 8th. This day honours the incredible work done by the Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations all over the world. It also celebrates the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the first-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

We discovered that the Red Cross is a global organisation that helps people during emergencies like wars, earthquakes, floods and other disasters. Their main goal is to protect life and health, especially for people who are suffering. One of the most inspiring things we learned is how Red Cross volunteers help people. Some of them give first aid or help people who have lost their homes. Others support families to find missing relatives, and many provide food, water, and shelter during natural disasters. They are kind, brave and always ready to help those in need. After learning all this, we wrote a diary entry from the point of view of a Red Cross volunteer.

Nursery

Nursery children celebrated Shavuot in joyful and meaningful ways that help them connect with the celebration through hands-on activities and creativity. In the classroom, we engaged in painting wheat to represent the harvest and the agricultural roots of Shavuot. Crafting colourful paper flowers added to the festive spirit and reflects the tradition of decorating homes and synagogues with greenery. Children also went on a nature walk to observe the beauty of the outdoors, connecting with the theme of nature. The highlight of the celebration was making a cheesecake together, following the custom of eating dairy foods on Shavuot. These activities combine sensory play, learning, and tradition, giving children a joyful introduction to the values and customs of this special celebration.

Year 1

Today we learned all about the Jewish celebration of Shavuot. This is a Jewish celebration. It is celebrated in May in line with the harvest. We created a Calligram poem listing the foods eaten during the festival. The Jewish people celebrate Shavout because they believe this is when the Torah was given to them. They harvest the first fruit and present this in a basket as an offering for God. We created our own harvest wreath.

Year 2

We had a fabulous time understanding what Shavuot is and why it’s important for Jewish people. We then used the Ten Commandments to help us write our own set of Commandments on how people should behave. In the afternoon we enjoyed making a collaborative helping hand wall by writing how we can be helpful or kind to others on the hand templates.

Year 3

Today, Year 3 learned about the Jewish celebration, Shavuot. Shavuot marks the beginning of the wheat harvest and the end of the barley harvest. We created leaflets which highlighted the important history behind the celebration and fruit baskets which contained messages of things that we were thankful for.

Year 4

Today, Year 4 took part in an enriching SMSC Day focused on the Jewish festival of Shavuot. We began by exploring the historical origins of the festival, learning about the moment the Ten Commandments were given to Moses at Mount Sinai. We then looked at how Shavuot has been celebrated in the past comparing it to modern day celebrations. In the afternoon, the children took part in a creative task where they designed their own Class Commandment Tablets, deciding together on ten positive rules to help create a kind, respectful, and supportive classroom environment.

Year 5

Today to celebrate Shavuot, Year 5 have been learning how the story “The Book of Ruth” from the Book of Exodus is comparable to the festival Shavuot. We have made close relations to how people have thanked God and accepted the Torah. While also in the afternoon, we created different styles of lanterns.