This year, students at Five Ways School have taken significant steps towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness, by launching two exciting societies that are already making a difference in the school community.
Inclusive Five Ways Society: Building Awareness and Creating Space for All
The Inclusive Five Ways society is an initiative driven by students across various year groups who come together every Friday lunchtime to discuss ideas and plan actions that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the school. This collaborative effort spans a range of activities; from spreading awareness through assemblies and presentations to hosting events that foster cultural exchange and support for diverse causes.
Recently, the society hosted its first event in celebration of Halloween, but with an intriguing twist. Rather than focusing on typical costumes and spooky decorations, they delved into the origins of Halloween, exploring the historical and cultural myths behind the holiday’s popular tropes.
Students learned about European legends like Strigoi, Pricolici, and Rusalka, which evolved into familiar figures like vampires, werewolves, and mermaids. The event also explored haunting stories from Asia, including the chilling tale of Okiku, which inspired the character of Samara Morgan in The Ring film series. The event was a great success, with around 30 students attending, eager to engage with the fascinating, lesser-known myths from around the world. It was an excellent example of how the society uses creativity and education to raise awareness about cultural diversity, while also bringing the community together.
The society is committed to hosting more educational events, organising fundraising activities for diverse causes, and continuing to support all students, ensuring that everyone feels heard, respected, and included.
The ACS: Celebrating Culture, History, and Community
Another exciting addition to Five Ways School is the African and Caribbean Society (ACS), founded and run by a dedicated group of Lower Sixth students. The ACS aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and history of African and Caribbean communities while providing a space for students to learn from one another and share their experiences. Each week, the ACS hosts engaging meetings where students discuss a wide range of topics, present on important cultural issues, participate in quizzes, and even share culturally significant food. These sessions are open to all students, regardless of background, and have attracted participants from all year groups, showcasing the society’s ability to unite the wider Five Ways community through shared learning and mutual respect.
The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the students behind both the Inclusive Five Ways and ACS societies are truly inspiring. Through their efforts, these groups are making a tangible difference in fostering a more inclusive, connected, and culturally aware environment at Five Ways. We look forward to seeing how these societies continue to evolve and contribute to a positive and supportive school community.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the students involved in these societies for their hard work, dedication, and creative initiatives!
