Teachers Have Their Say

Why do you think SMSC Day is important?

In general, the staff members interviewed believed that SMSC day is important because it helps unify the students and it helps students form relationships and bonds. SMSC day helps students build confidence and learn about aspects of life that may not be included in the education curriculum.

Staff Interviews:

Mr Johnson- “One of the important things that underpin you as good citizens is your ability to learn about the wider aspects of British citizenship and the wider aspects of your personal growth and development, and a day like this is vital for that.”

Mrs McMullen- “Students are able to discuss their own opinions”. The art department in particular focused on Unity and Brexit, and how we’ve stayed unified even though we have different opinions. The aspect the art department covered “shows students how to use visuals and to use the language or art to engage with other youths all over the world. Regardless of the language they speak, their race, everything.”

Mrs Deeks- “I think it’s really important that students get the opportunity to experience a range of things that they don’t usually come across in the curriculum”. An example of this could be the first aid course that is being conducted today because, “students get the opportunity to learn how to do CPR, how to put somebody in the recovery position and how to recognise a stroke. These are really important life skills that could potentially help save someone's life.”

Miss Donaldson- “I believe that SMSC day is really important as it provides the opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge on really important matters that they may not come across. It also gives them the opportunity as tutor groups to have team building activities,and it provides a lot of fun for the day: something really, really different which the students always enjoy.”

Mr Jackson-“It gives students the experiences and life skills that are so important in society. They might not use the skills or knowledge here at WLA, but there is every chance they will in their futures.”

Miss Relph-“It’s important that the whole school celebrates SMSC, it brings a whole school together to learn something as crucial as first aid.”

Mr Barber-“ This experience gives you important life skills you can use outside school. Skills such as CPR could save people’s lives. It may save a loved one or stranger but either way imagine being able to say you have saved someone’s life.”

Mr Stubbings-“These are vital life lessons for all years that aren’t necessarily covered in curriculum.”

Mr Price-“It gives you the chance to learn crucial skills the pupils otherwise wouldn’t.”

Mrs Purdham-“Fun, team building, co-operation, working hard, testing yourself, breaking down barriers.”

Dr Rigby-“It’s a great opportunity for pupils to learn real life skills and important subjects that may not be on the curriculum.”

Mr Sanderson-“There are life skills which are more important, but don’t fit into regular subjects, such as: British values, budgeting for uni, first aid, and biology-sex health.”