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Spiritual Moral Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)

At Leatherhead Trinity School and Nursery, SMSC development is integral to our curriculum and school life, rooted in our Christian values and our vision of “All things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23), we nurture every child to grow spiritually, morally, socially, and culturally.

Spiritual Development

We encourage pupils to reflect on their own beliefs and values through regular collective worship, reflection sessions, and engagement with our three local churches. Activities such as prayer, singing, and exploring Christian festivals help deepen pupils’ spiritual awareness and resilience.

Moral Development

Our curriculum and daily interactions promote honesty, fairness, and respect. Pupils engage in discussions about ethical dilemmas, participate in restorative justice practises, and learn about forgiveness and commitment through real-life scenarios and role play, reinforcing our Christian ethos.

Social Development

We foster a strong sense of community and teamwork through collaborative projects, peer mentoring, and ‘learning friends’ initiatives that build learning power and independence. Pupils develop empathy and leadership skills by supporting charity events and local community activities, including partnerships with our church and local organisations.

Cultural Development

Our broad curriculum celebrates diversity and global citizenship. Pupils explore different cultures through themed weeks, arts, languages, and music. We also invite community members and clergy to share their experiences, enriching pupils’ understanding of the world and promoting mutual respect.

Literacy and Curriculum Coherence

Aligned with the DfE’s framework, our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build foundational literacy skills through systematic synthetic phonics, vocabulary development, and oral language activities. Pupils are supported to master key knowledge and skills progressively, enabling critical thinking and confident communication across subjects.

Partnership with Families and Community

We believe that SMSC development thrives through strong partnerships. Parents, carers, staff, clergy, and community groups work together to support pupils’ growth. Our Home School Agreement encourages families to engage with learning at home, reinforcing the values and skills taught at school.


This approach ensures SMSC is lived and experienced daily by pupils, supporting their academic progress and personal development in line with our Christian values and wider community ethos.