Four Oaks Primary School

At Four Oaks Primary School we value SMSC. We are inclusive and diverse! We actively promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at our school – they are at the centre of everything we do!

We want our children to remember their SMSC lessons in our school, to cherish these memories and embrace the opportunities with which they are presented. Bringing SMSC alive is important at Four Oaks Primary School. Our SMSC curriculum has been carefully designed so that our children develop their Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural capital. We achieve this by mapping out weekly whole-school themes to be explored and celebrated. These are underpinned by our Golden (British) Values. Each half-term is designated to a core value – with weekly themes relating to that over-arching core theme.

Each week starts with an introductory assembly led by our Headteacher or the class teacher, introducing the children to a different key theme. This theme is then explored in greater depth in class. For example, in the first half of the autumn term, the children focus on our ‘Democracy and Manners’ values by exploring weekly themes such as ‘Please! Thank You! and ‘Black History Month’. Our topic for this year is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. This theme emphasizes the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress within Black communities, highlighting the contributions of leaders, activists, and pioneers, while inspiring a future of unity, empowerment, and cultural pride. Every class at Four Oaks Primary school dedicates their lesson time to celebrating Black History Month. Our main task is to learn about significant black people and their exceptional achievements. For example, in the past, we focused our learning on the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. We showcased pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more. Last year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” marked a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising this theme, we shone a brighter light on stories, allegories and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. In addition, we reminded each other that there is no room for racism in our lives and that we will be kind to everybody all the time, regardless of our backgrounds. 

Our pupils are also encouraged to celebrate nationally recognised themed days. For example, last year, the whole school promoted and celebrated Maths Party Day. Each class completed various money reasoning and problem-solving challenges. Also, in the past, each year group was set a challenge by their Sports Leaders. The children were enthusiastic to complete these challenges in 1 minute. These included a range of body weighted exercises such as squats, jumping jacks, burpees and mountain climbers.  The children were taught about the importance of looking after their fitness and health. Regularly, they also take part in a class assembly dedicated to How to Stay Safe Online. The learning outcomes are achieved by discussing different scenarios and revising the importance of how to stay safe. Last year, children took part in the Fire Safety assembly. The local policemen came to visit us and explained the dangers of fire and how to stay safe during Bonfire night. It was very interesting and informative. A Year 3 child commented, “I learned that we all need to be really careful around fireworks. Long time ago there was an eleven-year-old boy who was injured because he wasn’t careful!”

Across the school, children also enjoyed various activities and learning about mental health and wellbeing. In the past, we celebrated the theme ‘My Voice Matters’. Our learning was based around a lovely book, 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' by Charlie Mackesy. The children read the book and produced lovely pieces of work for the whole school display. Last academic year, we also completed various mindfulness and well-being activities. For example, Mindful Monday, Talking Tuesday, Wiggle Wednesday, Thinking Thursday and Funny Friday. Please see our website for more details and examples of children’s work. In addition, the children take part in regular Resiliency lessons to support their mental health and well-being. 
Where applicable, we use the vibrancy of our great city for pupils to learn from other cultures, respect diversity, co-operate with one another and appreciate what they have. For example, children from Year 6 enjoyed their Into University week. The theme of the week was Oceanography and involved a trip to the museum and a graduation ceremony in the University of Liverpool. “The Into University week was the best week so far! We learnt so much about oceanography and different careers. I enjoyed our trip to the museum! The graduation was a great experience! It has inspired me to work hard, become a university student so I can achieve my dreams!” 

We enrich our pupils’ time in our school with memorable experiences and provide opportunities which are normally out of reach. For example, Year 4 children visited the Liverpool Philharmonic concert and in addition, they also enjoy their guitar lessons and a guitar club every week. “I enjoyed playing guitars after I have been practicing at home over the weekend and holidays,” commented one of the children. Last year, we were also delighted to receive an invitation to an exciting Shakespeare Roadshow at the North Liverpool Academy. The show was a drama based on "WHOOSH" session (with a Q&A session / theatrical workshop afterwards) based on Julius Caesar, the Shakespeare text. The aim was to explore, and to extend, pupils’ knowledge of Shakespearean literature, whilst providing them with opportunities to develop their drama and oracy skills. We enjoy celebrating Shakespeare Week at our school. All classes focus their learning on a different text and complete various writing and/or acting activities. 

A member of staff who accompanied the children at the North Liverpool Academy said, “It was a lovely event and very well organised. The children enjoyed the performance, confidently asked questions and deepen their learning about Shakespeare! All Year 4 children took part in acting and improved their drama skills based on the text their had studied at school!”

We firmly believe that it is not just about what happens in the classroom, it is about the added value we offer that really inspires our children.

The teachers complete tracking documents which detail any pupils who have not fully grasped a concept or skill. It is not uncommon for there to be a nil return or a very small number of pupils listed. Any pupil who has not confidently grasped a skill or knowledge will be supported through one or more of the following interventions: