Karlene Sutherland and Iola Isaac (back row) of BRACE spoke about the benefits of cultural awareness to an audience including College Vice Principal Jane O’Neill and Iain Wright MP (front row), during an event promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development for learners. 

A new guide on spiritual, moral, social and cultural support for the learning and skills sector has been introduced today at a free event attended by Iain Wright MP at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (in the Department for Children, Schools and Families) spoke about the new guide which has been developed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).

The guide highlights the relevance of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development for the learning and skills sector, and provides support on how to plan, deliver and assess SMSC development.

The main focus is on provision for 14-19 learners in colleges, work-based learning and offender learning.  It is also relevant for older learners and trainees.

Organisations are urged to involve learners in SMSC development, particularly the three core attitudes of self-awareness, respect for all and open-mindedness.

These attitudes will help reinforce self-worth, self-confidence, being a responsible member of society, building sound relationships, appreciating traditions and values of all cultures, and having a strong sense of belonging.

Learners from the College’s BRACE programme (which stands for Building Relationships Amongst Cultures Everywhere) spoke about their work at the event.

Iola Isaac (23), original member of BRACE, said: “There are a lot of different cultures that come together at College and it gives us a chance to interact and work together.  It’s great because we get to learn more about each other and appreciate different cultures.  The College encourages an inclusive learning environment which allows us to break down a lot of the barriers and stereotypes.”

BRACE was established in 2005 and comprises young people from the College who have come together to resolve conflict between different communities, through a range of activities including mediation, cultural celebrations and conferences.  Members now spend much of their time taking their message for peace and justice out to forums across London and the rest of the nation.

Karlene Sutherland, Project Manager of BRACE, said: “BRACE isn’t just about social cohesion, but also educating one another and promoting cultural awareness.  It’s all voluntary and the students give freely of their time, because they want to make positive changes and foster relationships.”

Paul Head, Principal and Chief Executive and LSIS Board member, said: “The College is already very involved in SMSC development and has worked hard to empower young people, tackling many complex issues in creating a more tolerant and respectful society”.

He welcomed the new guide which would support staff in their work with learners and encourage social and community cohesion.

Developing and delivering SMSC can be organised around areas such as institutional values, vision and leadership; resources and management; and community involvement.

There are also opportunities for promoting SMSC through enrichment programmes, foundation learning, citizenship and volunteering.

• LSIS website