Religion and Roleplay for Stockport Academy SMSC and IAG Days
Chris Prince
/ Categories: News
Stockport Academy students spent yesterday (18th November) either learning about different cultures or preparing for the modern world of work.
The off-timetable sessions were part of the termly SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual, Cultural) Day for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 or the annual IAG (Information and Guidance) Day for Year 11 and Sixth Form students.
As ever, a wide range of agencies attended for SMSC Day, including the Dog’s Trust, Walthew House, Beacon and Signright. Year 7s spent several sessions learning about Islam and Buddhism – creating models of the five pillars of Islam and an origami lotus flower respectively, while Year 8s visited a local synagogue. Year 9s learned about life as a Jew today and had a go at creating their own ‘Holocaust Art’.
One of the highlights for Year 10 was the visit of the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester – a patron of the Carers Trust – who spoke to them about his experiences as a young carer.
SMSC Coordinator Mrs Fox said: “The agencies that came in were, as ever they are, blown away by our staff and students.
“They say we have the most polite and engaged students, the friendliest and most helpful staff and that the atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance is incredible.”
Meanwhile, students in Year 11 and above focused on honing their career-building skills. Colleagues from Lex Autolease, Timpsons, Richer Sounds and Gorvins Solicitors spent the morning carrying out mock job interviews with students, who had earlier been sent job descriptions for roles they would be interviewed for.
In the afternoon, the prospective employers gave feedback on the morning sessions, before students attended sessions on higher education options and student finance. Throughout the day they also visited the school Careers Fair, which involved representatives from universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and local employers.
Stockport Academy’s IAG Coordinator Mr Cheetham said: “The feedback we received from the professionals carrying out today’s interviews was really positive and I can’t thank them enough for contributing to what has been a great day at Stockport Academy.”