At St. Gabriel’s R.C. Primary School, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. We, therefore, aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of their cultures. We provide a range of opportunities for pupils to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

As a Catholic school, we are here primarily to pass on the Catholic faith to our pupils as well as providing an outstanding education in all aspects. Through our strong Catholic ethos, we teach and prepare our pupils as a ‘whole child’ and not just academically. Our Catholic faith teaches us that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and are all God’s children and loved equally. We, therefore, celebrate this and teach everything through the examples given by Jesus. This means that we naturally teach all aspects of SMSC in curricular lessons, inside the classroom and beyond. All curriculum areas seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. We also promote the fundamental British values in all we do across the school and beyond.

Within our SMSC Policy, the detailed aims and strategies for SMSC are detailed: 

Practical activities and events to develop SMSC within our school:

In the Classroom

• RE scheme of work – Come and See offers opportunities for children to reflect on bigger issues in society/the world.
• Our feedback and marking system guides children on their next steps for learning and allows them time to reflect on challenging questions.
• E-SAFETY display within each classroom and focus throughout the computing curriculum.
• Learning Behaviours promoted in class – to be active and engaged, resilience, making links, independence and collaboration.
• Children have responsibilities within their own classes to give them a sense of working as a team and having ownership.

Wider School Life

• Coming together as a community regularly for Monday liturgies, Friday Celebration Assemblies, Whole School Masses and individual Class Masses.
• School Mission certificates awarded weekly in our Celebration Assembly.
• Class assemblies focus on Catholic Social Teaching through Caritas in Action, allowing children to explore various social, cultural, moral and spiritual issues linked with British Values.
• Our Caritas in Action ambassadors’ work allows us to focus on Catholic Social Teaching.
• Participation in projects, such as ‘Rochdale in Bloom’ and gardening club give children a chance to reflect on Stewardship and the wonders of God’s creation.
• Emotional Literacy groups and Zones of Regulation Work led by our Pastoral Manager allow children to reflect on their own emotions and behaviour and deal with difficult times in their lives.
• Year six take part in ‘Crucial Crew’ which builds self-esteem and encourages team work.
• Our yearly Harvest Festival food is donated by the children to the Rochdale Food Bank. Other foodbank donations are then driven by need. 
• At Christmas and Lent, children take part in charity events on local, national and global scales for example donating stationery to Africa and collecting money for St Joseph’s Penny.
• School Chaplaincy team promote the religious and spiritual life of the school.
• Throughout the year, a range of productions take place including a nativity and pantomime at Christmas and a KS2 performance and year 6 leavers assembly at the end of the year.
• Various visitors to school give children a sense of the wider community and the way adults behave, e.g. the fire service, PCSO, doctors and nurses.
• The Eco Team group works within school to encourage stewardship and taking care of our planet.
• The School Council represent the pupils' voice throughout the school.
• The children who complete the Sacramental Programme often complete follow up visits e.g. to the Laudato Si Centre.
• Companies such as #THRIVE and Kooth visit school to deliver assemblies and workshops focussing on children’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Year 6 and Reception pair up as ‘Buddies’ at the start of the year.
• A range of educational visits throughout the year.
• Year 6 residential trip.
• Visits to different places of worship
• Strong links to our Church and Parish Priest.