SMSC, RSE & British Values

At Hodge Hill College we provide a positive ethos based upon British values that are shared across the school community. The culture and ethos of the school promotes respect as well as healthy and productive attitudes towards learning, life and work. Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the life and work of the school and, from the earliest stages, to exercise their responsibilities as members of a community. The focus of SMSC and RSE programmes is to empower students to stay safe and share the positive British values of society

British Values

At Hodge Hill College we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as: 

• Democracy 
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect 
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs  

These values are reflected in our CARE brand and taught explicitly through the Collective Worship programme and Religious Education. We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. 

RSE

We aim to provide an environment at Hodge Hill College were young people can develop and flourish.  RSE is fundamental part of our SMSC programme preparing students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. RSE at Hodge Hill College focuses on relationships and issues that arise from relationships. In delivering RSE it is our aim for pupils to develop a healthy, safer lifestyle.

During the school year there are a number of discrete sessions where pupils focus on RSE issues. Our SRE curriculum is in line with statutory guidance on RSE. Planning also takes into consideration local priorities reached through agreement with the Child protection and Pastoral team.  Some discrete RSE sessions may be in smaller single sex groups in order to provide pupils with an environment where they feel comfortable and to enable them to get the maximum benefit from each session. For example, sex education is delivered in smaller single sex groups.

Parents have the legal right to request to have their child excused from sex education. Sex education is delivered as part of the RSE curriculum. For any child to be withdrawn a request would need to be put in writing to the Head Teacher. Parents only have the legal right to withdraw children up until three terms before the child turns 16. After that point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school should make arrangements to provide the child with sex education.

SMSC

At Hodge Hill College we aim to provide a community ethos that enables pupils to grow as individuals, appreciating their own worth and the worth of others. Throughout the curriculum in all subjects, staff work towards developing the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) needs of all pupils. SMSC education develops pupils’ appreciation and understanding of different people’s feelings and values, cultural diversity and different communities.  Hodge Hill College has a caring ethos that nurtures the whole student and SMSC is a vital part of pupils’ development to ensure they become fully rounded and valued people.

Collective Worship

At Hodge Hill College we have a collective worship calendar that provides pupils with an opportunity to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs. The aim is to develop community spirit, promote a common ethos and shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes. Each week the Collective Worship calendar has a focus that provides pupils with an opportunity for reflection and spiritual development. The focus of the week is delivered through ‘Thought for the day’, which is presented during morning registration and a leadership assembly once a week for each year group.

Focus for the first half of Autumn Term: CARE

 Focus for the second half of Autumn Term: Courtesy

Focus for the first half of Spring Term: Achievement

Focus for the first half of Summer Term: Empathy

Focus for the second half of Summer Term: CARE