Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has made the headlines this month with many schools showcasing the true importance of what togetherness means regardless of one’s background.
Read EDI highlights below:
EDI badges:
In November, students across the Foundation were given the opportunity to create a logo that represents Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. The winner would then have their design turned into badges that students involved in ED&I Team Committees could proudly wear. 
We were delighted to receive 80 entries for the competition. Please click the link below to see some of the fantastic work that was submitted, as well as our winning entry.
Click here
The winning logo will also be used on all official Foundation correspondence regarding ED&I. We can’t wait to see them around our different schools!
Culture Day:
Many schools across the Foundation held an annual celebration in honour of World Culture Day, highlighting the diversity of cultures around our organisation as well as creating opportunities for meaningful conversation and driving understanding, and awareness.
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls held their second annual celebration of World Culture Day, with students and staff encouraged to present themselves according to their heritage, stimulating fascination and interest. The array of colour brightened up the school day and sparked conversations as students asked each other about their outfits, the meaning behind items of clothing and/or jewellery and took the opportunity to learn about others’ cultures and history.
“In order to appreciate our school’s beautiful diversity, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Student Council organised a lunchtime showcase, opening the stage to students who wanted to perform a song or dance, play an instrument or read a poem - anything that represented their culture. There was a huge response that created a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.” – Year 13 student
King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy
- Culture day at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy was an amazing opportunity for all years (7-13) to learn about other students’ backgrounds. The student EDI team performed an assembly highlighting their culture and why it holds such prominence to their identity. This enabled students to practice their oracy skills and articulate themselves with confidence. During the day students enjoyed many different activities such as themed ‘Do Now’s’ and cultural themed lessons as well as enjoying music and a bake sale at lunch time.
“It was nice to see how everyone came together to represent their identity and see how it shaped the identity of our school.” – Year 8 student
- Culture day was an opportunity for students to share and celebrate cultures. It was a chance for students to express themselves through their outfits, sharing differences, and gaining a greater understanding of different cultures. Students commented that it was a great experience to be able to learn about their peers’ culture and to see alternative perspectives. Topics about different cultural celebrations, cultural clothes and different places in the world were taught, leading to a great day overall.
“This experience has opened my eyes to the many unheard-of cultures in this world, that all deserve to be celebrated and appreciated.” – Year 10 student
King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy achieve Gold Equalities Award
- King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy are delighted to announce that they have achieved a Gold Equalities Award!
- Over the past 18 months KESH have collaborated with EqualiTeach to ensure that their school provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for all.
- The school is delighted that their hard work has been recognised with this prestigious Gold Award, placing great value on equality and diversity within the school community.
- Achieving this award showcases the school’s commitment across all areas, including Behaviour and Welfare, Leadership and Management, Personal Development of Pupils, and Teaching and Learning.
KESH continue to look ahead and remain committed to this important work.
Neurodiversity Celebration week at King Edward VI High School for Girls
- King Edward VI High School for Girls hosted a variety of events to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, with the aim of raising awareness and understanding about neurodiversity.
- On Monday, the doors of the Warnock Room were open to the whole school community; with many pupils visiting the space, they could enjoy the sensory experience of the pod, and pick up a fidget toy and a badge to wear to celebrate the week.
- On Tuesday, Dr Ollis came into the school to share his insights into the practical aspects of neurodiversity – how our brains are different and the variety of effects on individuals.
- Wednesday, known this week as ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ in Warnock Room, saw older pupils engage in activities between study periods promoting self-care and relaxation. During Wednesday’s lunchtime, Dr Jon Elphick and Dr Emma Langdon gave an interesting talk about neurodiversity in the workplace. This joint KEHS and KES event also offered pupils, as well as members of staff, more of an understanding of engineering, as both Jon and Emma have a background in this field. They answered questions regarding careers, benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace, and described their individual experiences.
- The final session of the week was an excellent workshop from pupils Rachel Hopkins and Lulu Frisson, representing the Student EDI Committee. Here they discussed the language of neurodiversity with pupils and members of staff, to equip them to feel confident having conversations about the subject.
King Edward VI High School for Girls promotes inclusion every day. Neurodiversity Celebration Week has raised awareness, and encouraged pupils, and members of staff, to become well informed and confident in promoting neurodiversity even more in the future.
