Academy Day Focuses on Society and Culture

Anonym / 27 June 2014 / Categories: News

From homelessness and the dangers of drugs and alcohol through to different cultures and religions, students had a chance to glimpse the different aspects of society when it staged a Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) day on 27th June.

Organised by the academy’s SMSC Co-ordinator Suzanne Fox, the event saw students from years 7 to 10 take part in a variety of workshops with agencies from across Greater Manchester.  Activities included:

·         A visit from HM Prison service, running sessions on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, anti-social behaviour and cyber bullying, as well as a guest appearance by trained drugs and attack dogs

·         Lessons from the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trangender group

·         Talks from the Self Help charity about mental health

·         The Stockport Drugs and Alcohol Team, with recovering addicts recounting their experiences

·         A visit by a group of Year 7 students to a local mosque

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Ethnic Diversity team also ran four sessions, with Chinese, Pakistani, Turkish and Nigerian visitors running workshops on calligraphy, henna tattoos, food/culture/dress and musical instruments respectively.

Commented Suzanne:

“This is the second time we have held such an event, as it important to give our students the opportunity to experience and understand different cultures and areas of society, which in turn will help to encourage tolerance and acceptances, whilst also challenging existing perceptions and in some cases, prejudice.

“It was also particularly rewarding, with all those agencies involved praising our students for their excellent behaviour, genuine interest and participation.”