Project Touchline develops students spiritually, morally, socially and culturally (SMSC) through a combination of sport, reflection, and values-based learning.

In judging the overall effectiveness of a school, OFSTED inspectors will make a judgement on the quality of education. They will also consider the extent to which leaders construct a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all learners the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Project Touchline supports schools to achieve this, providing a programme that aids the personal development of pupils. This includes their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and understanding of Christian

Christian Values

Through the programme, pupils are prepared for adult life, with a focus on developing Christian values such as resilience, teamwork and kindness. They are taught how to apply these Christian values through participation in sport.

Spiritual

Project Touchline fosters pupils’ spiritual development by encouraging reflection on feelings, values, beliefs, and experiences while exploring core Christian values—respect, perseverance, teamwork, trust, forgiveness, and love. Pupils share personal examples of living these values during games and activities. In doing so, they connect faith with daily life. Growth is supported through collective worship, faith-inspired artwork, and teacher and pupil-led lunchtime prayer clubs—a distinctive feature that persists long-term. This approach builds links with local churches and homes for ongoing reflection and discipleship. Pupils consider the impact of their words and actions, nurturing empathy, fairness, and moral responsibility rooted in Christian teachings. Furthermore, embedded reflection via worship, prayer, and discussion helps them grow spiritually with integrity, compassion, and purpose in an inclusive community.

Moral

Project Touchline fosters pupils’ moral development by helping them distinguish right from wrong and understand the impact of their words and actions on others. Through team-based activities and leadership challenges rooted in sport, pupils apply Christian values—respect, perseverance, teamwork, forgiveness, and love—in real situations, which promotes thoughtful ethical choices. They explore injustice, fairness, courage, and responsibility. Pupils reflect on moral issues like selfishness and disrespect in their teams, school, and the wider world. They also consider the consequences of personal and collective behaviour, building empathy, integrity, and a commitment to act justly. Moreover, embedded reflection via worship, discussion, and games nurtures a strong sense of moral responsibility grounded in Christian teachings, in an inclusive environment.

Social

Project Touchline fosters pupils’ strong social skills by emphasising the importance of effective teamwork and collaboration. The programme’s core focus on teamwork encourages active cooperation. Its broader activities provide abundant opportunities for pupils to tackle shared tasks and challenges together. Through engaging play and sport-based contexts, pupils practise a wide range of social skills. They learn to cooperate, share ideas, listen respectfully, and resolve disagreements constructively as they pursue common goals. This approach builds positive relationships, mutual respect, and confidence in social interactions. As a result, it contributes significantly to pupils’ holistic development. 

Personal Development

Project Touchline supports pupils’ personal development by helping them grow in character, confidence, resilience, independence, self-awareness, and emotional literacy through sport and physical education rooted in Christian values. Pupils explore values such as respect, perseverance, teamwork, trust, forgiveness, and love through collective worship. They apply these values practically in inclusive PE sessions and team games. Through team challenges and collaborative activities, pupils develop communication, compassion, empathy, and emotional regulation, while learning to reflect, act with integrity, and cooperate effectively. The programme promotes leadership, responsibility, and service, encouraging pupils to consider needs in school, church, and the wider community. Additionally, opportunities for discussion, decision-making, prayer, and creative reflection deepen understanding of Christian values, democracy, and individual liberty. By participating fully and inclusively, pupils celebrate individuality, manage success and disappointment, and grow as responsible, respectful, and active citizens. They also contribute positively to society.

Cultural

Project Touchline significantly enhances pupils’ cultural understanding and capital by offering opportunities to represent different countries in games and activities. These experiences mirror the diversity of Britain and the wider world, allowing pupils to engage with varied religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Through sport—a powerful context for cultural learning—pupils develop respect, curiosity, openness, tolerance, and a global outlook. Team activities and discussions explore how sport unites diverse cultures and communities under shared rules, values, and mutual respect. Drawing on the Olympic Games, pupils learn about fair competition. They also explore celebration of national identity, heritage, and diversity, reinforcing that all people are equal regardless of background. Additionally, embedded reflection through worship, prayer, and discussion builds empathy and respectful relationships. Project Touchline thus equips pupils as responsible citizens who appreciate diversity’s strength, promote peaceful cooperation, and engage positively in an inclusive, multifaceted society—all rooted in Christian values.

Transforming diocesan schools in Wales