SMSC, British Values and Cultural Capital

At Fountains High School, we want every pupil to leave with more than qualifications. We aim to equip our young people with the confidence, character, knowledge and life experiences they need to thrive as active members of their communities and prepare successfully for adulthood.

Our school values of Kind Hearts, Wise Minds and Brave Souls underpin everything we do. They encourage pupils to show compassion and respect for others, make informed choices, develop curiosity about the world around them and approach new opportunities with confidence and resilience.

SMSC development, British Values and Cultural Capital are woven through every aspect of school life, from lessons and educational visits to assemblies, enrichment activities and pupil leadership opportunities. These experiences help pupils develop their understanding of themselves, others and the wider world, while building the skills needed for independence, employment and community participation.

Bringing Learning to Life

We believe some of the most important learning happens beyond the classroom. Pupils regularly engage in experiences that broaden horizons, develop aspirations and create lasting memories, including:

School Council, Eco Committee and E-Safety Committee participation
Voting, decision-making and pupil leadership opportunities
Educational visits and residential experiences
Duke of Edinburgh Award activities
Community projects and volunteering
Employer encounters and careers events
Theatre visits, performances and creative arts experiences
Cultural celebrations and awareness events
Encounters with public services, local organisations and visitors
Preparation for Adulthood and independent living opportunities

These experiences help pupils develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and a stronger understanding of the world around them.

British Values in Action	British Values are embedded throughout school life and taught through meaningful, real-life experiences.
Democracy	Pupils have opportunities to contribute their views, take part in elections, represent their peers and influence school life through pupil leadership groups and student voice activities.
The Rule of Law	Through clear expectations, restorative approaches and learning about rights and responsibilities, pupils develop an understanding of how laws and rules help keep people safe.
Individual Liberty	We encourage pupils to make choices, develop independence, express their views and build the confidence to advocate for themselves.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance	Through everyday interactions, curriculum learning and cultural experiences, pupils learn to respect and value people from different backgrounds, faiths, cultures and communities.

Developing Cultural Capital

We are committed to ensuring all pupils have access to experiences that broaden their horizons and raise aspirations.

Our cultural capital offer includes opportunities to:

Explore different cultures, faiths and beliefs
Experience the arts, music, theatre and performance
Engage with the local community and wider society
Learn about future education, employment and training pathways
Develop independence and life skills through real-world experiences
Understand local, national and global issues

These experiences help pupils make connections between their learning and the world beyond school.

The Role of the Curriculum

Our SMSC, British Values and Cultural Capital offer is strengthened through a rich and engaging curriculum. In particular, religious education enables pupils to explore different faiths, beliefs and worldviews, while expressive arts provides opportunities for creativity, self-expression and participation in cultural experiences.

Together with our PSHE, Character and careers programme, these subjects help pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and personal qualities needed to lead fulfilling lives.

Find Out More

To learn more about how these areas are taught and developed across the school, please visit:

Religious Education Subject Sequencing

Expressive Arts Subject Sequencing

Events Calendar

Our aim is simple: to ensure every pupil leaves Fountains High School with the confidence, independence, values and experiences needed to succeed in adult life and make a positive contribution to society.