SMSC: Woven Into Every Part of Academy Life

At the National Church of England Academy, our vision — “Life in all its fullness” — is more than just words. It’s a commitment to nurturing every aspect of our students’ development, not just their academic success. We believe that education should empower young people to grow spiritually, morally, socially, and culturally — and that’s exactly what our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is all about.

SMSC isn’t confined to a single subject or lesson — it’s embedded throughout our curriculum and academy culture. In the classroom, subjects like Religious Studies and Personal Development explore key themes such as:

• Crime and consequence
• Democracy and citizenship
• Media and current affairs

But every subject plays a role in shaping well-rounded individuals, making SMSC a core part of our educational approach.

Beyond the Classroom: Enriching experiences that inspire.

We know that some of the most powerful learning happens outside the classroom. That’s why we offer a wide range of opportunities to help students explore their values, build character, and connect with the world around them:

• Extra-curricular clubs that spark passions and build friendships
• Educational visits that bring learning to life
• Enrichment days full of creativity, challenge, and discovery
• Sixth form enrichment sessions to prepare students for life beyond school
• Tutor time reflections like Thought for the Day and One Minute Musings
• Collective Worship that encourages spiritual growth
• ARCH values that guide our community ethos
• Community projects that foster compassion and responsibility
• SMSC-themed academy displays that celebrate student voice and values
• Weekly themes that provoke thought and discussion
• A strong student support structure that ensures every learner feels seen and supported

British Values

As part of SMSC, we promote and embed the five fundamental British values throughout academy life:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are not just taught—they are lived, experienced, and celebrated across our curriculum and culture.

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Democracy

We empower students to understand and engage with democratic principles through subjects like personal development, history, and religious studies. Opportunities such as mock elections, student voice initiatives, and active student councils allow learners to experience democracy in action and see the impact of their voices.

The Rule of Law

Understanding the importance of laws—both within our academy and in wider society—is central to our ethos. We teach students the reasons behind rules and the consequences of breaking them, supported by visits from the Police, Fire Service, and other community partners who reinforce the role of law in keeping us safe and just.

Individual Liberty

We encourage every student to explore their personal freedoms and responsibilities in a safe and supportive environment. Through personal development lessons, we help them understand their rights and how to make informed, respectful choices that reflect their values and aspirations.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of our core ARCH values and a cornerstone of our community. It is woven into every aspect of academy life—from classroom interactions to collective worship. Whether through discussions, sports in PE, or collaborative learning, students learn the power of respect in building strong, inclusive relationships.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Our curriculum celebrates diversity and fosters understanding. Through religious studies and cross-curricular learning, students explore a wide range of cultures, beliefs, and traditions. We strive to create an environment where differences are not only accepted but embraced—where every student feels seen, valued, and respected.