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.
|
Week beginning 2024 |
Assembly Theme |
| Summer 1 | |
| 15 April | Welcome Back |
| 22 April | World Day for Cultural Diversity |
| 29 April | Creative Pathways |
| 6 May | Charity Focus |
| 13 May | Mental Health Awareness Week |
| 20 May | Local History Month |
| Summer 2 | |
| 3 June | Welcome Back |
| 10 June | Pride Month |
| 17 June | Windrush Day |
| 24 June | Refugees Awareness Week |
| 1 July | Vaping |
| 8 July | Loneliness Awareness Week |
| 15 July | Inclusion in Sport |
| 22 July | 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.
