SMSC, RSE & British Values

At Hodge Hill College we provide a positive ethos based upon British values and our CARE brand 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 positive British societal values.

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, the British Values, Global Citizen Form time programme and Religious Education curriculum.  We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced school curriculum. 

RSE

At Hodge Hill College, we aim to provide an environment in which 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 can arise from them. In delivering RSE it is our aim for pupils to develop a healthy, safer lifestyle.

A number of discrete sessions take place during the year, in which pupils focus on RSE issues. Our RSE curriculum is in line with statutory guidance and also takes into consideration local priorities reached through agreement with the Child Protection and Pastoral team.  Some discrete RSE sessions, e.g. sex education, may be delivered 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.

 Parents have the legal right to request to have their child excused from sex education. For any child to be withdrawn a request would need to be put in writing to the Head Teacher.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 After that point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school would make arrangements to provide the child with sex education.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 that of others. Across 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 Assemblies, ‘Thought for the day' and the British Values, Global Citizen form time programme.