Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At Our Lady of Hartley Catholic Primary School, the spiritual, moral, and social culture is not just a secondary part of the curriculum; it is the "foundation stone" of the school’s identity. Rooted in the Catholic faith, the school operates under the guiding mission: "Together in faith, love, and learning."

The culture is structured around four key pillars: Spiritual Awareness, Moral Guidance, Social Responsibility, and Cultural Enrichment.

Spiritual Culture: Life in God’s Love

The spiritual life at Our Lady of Hartley is centered on the presence of Jesus Christ. The school follows the "Life to the Full" (Ten:Ten) program, which frames spirituality through three modules:

• Created and loved by God: Focusing on individual worth and dignity.

• Created to love others: Emphasizing the call to service.

• Created to live in community: Understanding our role in the wider world.

Daily life includes regular prayer, collective worship, and reflection. The school virtues—Love, Honesty, Kindness, Fairness, Understanding, Respect, Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness—permeate all interactions, ensuring that every child feels safe and valued as an equal in the sight of God.

Moral Culture: Developing Character

Moral development is woven into the fabric of the school's behaviour policy and curriculum. Children are taught to recognise the difference between right and wrong, not just as rules to follow, but as a way to live out the Gospel.

• The Rule of Law: Students learn that laws exist to protect and govern, and they participate in setting their own "Class Rules" at the start of each year.

• Reasoned Views: In subjects like Science and RE, pupils are encouraged to investigate ethical issues, developing the ability to appreciate viewpoints different from their own.

 Social Culture: Active Global Citizenship

The school fosters a strong sense of community, teaching children the social skills necessary to thrive in modern Britain.

• Democracy in Action: The School Council provides a platform for "pupil voice." Students are elected by their peers, mirroring the democratic process.

• Solidarity and Charity: Following Catholic Social Teaching, the school has a vibrant outreach program. This includes:

  • Partnering with Optimum Prime Academy in Ghana to stock their library.

  • Regular donations to the Community Cupboard in West Kingsdown.

  • Visiting residents at The Old Downs residential home to build intergenerational bonds.

Cultural Enrichment: Celebrating Diversity

While deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, the school actively celebrates a "wealth of cultures."

• Mantle of the Expert: This drama-based approach to the curriculum allows children to "walk in someone else's shoes," exploring historical and global cultures through immersive learning.

• Interfaith Awareness: Students visit local sites of worship, such as the Gurdwara in Gravesend, and celebrate festivals like Diwali and Chinese New Year alongside Christian milestones like Easter and Christmas.