Book excerpt: The second edition of this popular text has been revised and updated to include the new Professional Standards needed to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Tackling these elusive but fundamental aspects of children′s development, this text places the importance of spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding in a cross-curricular context. It directly links between children′s attainment and the wider aspects of personal development, beliefs and values, explaining the environment in which learning flourishes and demonstrating how trainees can promote this in their teaching. In addition, it helps enrich the trainee teacher′s experience, laying firm foundations for their continuing professional development.