Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Education
On this page we explain what we mean by spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (SMSC) at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon, and how we approach teaching it.
What we mean by SMSC
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education covers the following areas.
- Spiritual - exploring beliefs and experience; respecting values; discovering oneself and the surrounding world; using imagination and creativity; reflecting.
- Moral - recognising right and wrong; understanding consequences; investigating moral and ethical issues; offering reasoned views.
- Social - using social skills in different contexts; working well with others; resolving conflicts; understanding how communities work.
- Cultural - appreciating cultural influences; participating in cultural opportunities; understanding, accepting, respecting and celebrating diversity.
Tutorial Programme (SMSC tasks)
As part of our tutorial programme we have a weekly SMSC task in which all students in the academy take part. Topics cover an extensive range of subjects which develop students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding, including politics, media and religion.
Information is presented without bias, challenging students to discuss and debate issues taking place across the world as well as in Britain. Students are encouraged to interrogate the moral, cultural, spiritual and social aspects of the world around them. They develop a balanced point of view and empathy for those in the wider and local environment.
Assemblies
Assemblies at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon foster a sense of enquiry and interest in a range of religious, spiritual, moral, social, cultural and wider life issues, and provide clear guidance on what is right and wrong.
They link to the weekly SMSC tutor activity and are themed around current affairs, global and local issues and key aspects of the SMSC curriculum which are relevant to our context.
Each assembly encourages a sense of community and loyalty to the Hub and the Academy underpinned by a community spirit, a common ethos and shared values. Each week offers the opportunity of a public platform to encourage and celebrate individual and collective successes.
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2025 – 2026 Assemblies |
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2 Sept 2025 |
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Welcome Back |
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8 Sept 2025 |
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World Afro Day |
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15 Sept 2025 |
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International Day of Peace/ International Day of Democracy |
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22 Sept 2025 |
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Student Leadership |
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29 Sept 2025 |
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Black History Month |
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6 Oct 2025 |
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World Mental Health Day |
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13 Oct 2025 |
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Breast Cancer Awareness Week |
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3Nov 2025 |
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International Day against Violence & Bullying in School |
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10 Nov 2025 |
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Remembrance Day |
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17 Nov 2025 |
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White Ribbon |
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24 Nov 2025 |
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Tree of Hope |
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1 Dec 2025 |
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International Day for persons with Disabilities |
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8 Dec 2025 |
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International Migrants Day - Contributions of South Asians in UK |
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15 Dec 2025 |
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Celebration Assemblies |
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5 Jan 2026 |
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Welcome Back |
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12 Jan 2026 |
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Tolerance Vs Acceptance |
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19 Jan 2026 |
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Holocaust Memorial Day/International Mother Language Day |
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26 Jan 2026 |
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CCE/Gangs/knives |
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2 Feb 2026 |
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LGBT History Month |
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9 Feb 2026 |
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Safer Internet Day |
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23 Feb 2026 |
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World Book Day |
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2 Mar 2026 |
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International Women's Day |
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9 Mar 2026 |
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British Science Week |
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16 Mar 2026 |
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week |
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23 Mar 2026 |
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International Day for the elimination of Racial Discrimination |
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13 April 2026 |
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Welcome Back |
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20 April 2026 |
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Charity Focus |
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27 April 2026 |
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Prefect Assembly |
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5 May 2026 |
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Mental Health Awareness Week |
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11 May 2026 |
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World Day for Cultural Diversity |
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18 May 2026 |
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Safeguarding |
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1 June 2026 |
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Pride Month |
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8 June 2026 |
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Grooming |
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15 June 2026 |
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Windrush Day/Refugee Awareness Week |
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22 June 2026 |
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Refugee Awareness Week |
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29 June 2026 |
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Metacognition |
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6 July 2026 |
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Plastic Free July |
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13 July 2026 |
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Summer Safety / Celebration Assemblies |
Engaging with the local community
Work experience - students in Year 10 develop a range of skills related to the world of work when they participate in Work Experience. Students are given positions in the local and wider community in order to gain valuable social skills and experience of the world around them.
Guest speakers - visiting speakers to the Academy enable our students to gain first-hand knowledge of charities and businesses in the local community.
Celebrations open to the public - our very popular musicals and Rewards Evenings are open to members of the public to attend, forging social and community engagement.
Enrichment programme
Our enrichment programme provides extra-curricular activities designed to be fun and enhance our students’ experience at the Academy. Our students extend their learning beyond that of the standard curriculum in an environment that caters for and challenges all. They develop a range of essential skills that will help them become active, enterprising and well-rounded individuals. Students are expected to attend at least one enrichment activity on a weekly basis each term where they will enjoy a range of fun activities in a social setting.
Student leadership
Student Leadership is the individual and collective perspective and actions of young people within the context of learning and education at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon. Students vote for their form representatives and apply for student leadership roles across the Academy. Our young people are empowered to give their opinions and suggestions on Academy life in an open, democratic, secure and constructive way.
Religious Education and Philosophy
The curriculum for Religious Education (RE) and Philosophy is broad and well-balanced, promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of students, and helping to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Our RE themes involve respect, self-esteem, appreciation and wonder and open-mindedness. We offer a balanced approach to students’ religious education which is broadly Christian, but encompasses all major faiths.
