Diversity Week Review

At Southill Primary, promoting equality, celebrating diversity and fostering respect for all are values we live by every single day. These principles are woven throughout our curriculum, our behaviour expectations and the way we interact with one another across our whole school community.

Last week, we held a special Diversity Week to bring these important themes into sharper focus and provide dedicated time for our pupils to explore them in greater depth.

We want to share some feedback from our pupils, staff and parents about what worked well, what they learned and how we can continue to build on this important work going forward.

Our aims for Diversity Week were to:

• Celebrate and value the differences that make each of us unique while recognising what we have in common as a school community

• Deepen pupils' understanding of their own identities and those of their peers, helping them to appreciate different backgrounds and beliefs 

• Develop respect and empathy for people who may be different from them and to understand that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect

• Build confidence and self-esteem in all our pupils, so they feel valued for who they are and understand that they belong at Southill Primary

• Strengthen connections between pupils, their classmates and the wider school and local community

• Empower our children with the knowledge and skills to treat everyone with respect, kindness and fairness and to challenge stereotypes and prejudice when they encounter them

• Prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain by helping them understand and appreciate the diverse society we live in

• Create memorable learning experiences through assemblies, creative activities, discussions and shared learning that will stay with our children and influence their attitudes and behaviour long after the week has ended

While Diversity Week has now concluded, the learning and conversations it sparked will continue throughout the year. We remain committed to ensuring that respect for diversity is celebrated every day at Southill Primary, not just during one special week.

What the pupils told us:

“I loved celebrating how everyone’s different and that there’s something special and unique about everyone. It’s good to say you’re special rather than being embarrassed about our differences.”

“I was surprised to learn about how everyone's brain is different and how we see things in different ways.”

“I loved coming in my football kit. I love this school!”

“I liked listening to Mel.”

“I really liked diversity week. I enjoyed seeing what all my friends like to do and who they were. We had different stuff on and liked our own things but we all still played together and can like different things or be different but play together.”

“I liked Mel’s assembly. I really enjoyed the story, I learnt that it doesn’t matter if you are different or not from me.”

“I liked diversity week, I enjoyed wearing my golf clothes because it made me feel like me. I enjoyed diversity week because everyone learnt they can be themselves, I hope everyone learnt that if you’re different that is okay, you don’t have to be mean because you don’t understand why they are different.”

“Finding differences in the pictures in Mel’s assembly was fun.”

“I liked when we got to dress as ourselves because you could show who you are.”

“Even identical twins are not the same!”

“You don’t have to be somebody else, you can just be you.”

“I enjoyed listening to the story in Mel’s assembly.”

“I loved dressing as ourselves. We didn’t have to wear uniform. We could just be us.”

“Maybe next year we could focus on people’s celebrations and their talents so it's more than what you like but what you’re good at.”

100% of children said they felt represented and included. 

Most children said they would like to see similar activities again although some feedback was that different days can be unsettling. Some children like things to be the same. 

What the staff told us: 

“The dress up day was really successful. It gave children the opportunity to showcase who they are and what they’re proud of.”

“This is what makes Southill Primary such a special place.”

“It was a lovely way to find out what the children like to do outside of school.  It started conversations which I took the time to have with them at the start of the day.   The children were able to see what similar interests they had, and it was wonderful to see them in a different context outside of school life.”

Examples of positive feedback from parents: 

“I just wanted to say that I am really grateful to you and all the lovely teachers of Southill School for encouraging and celebrating diversity. I am so glad that my child is learning in a school that shows that being different is something to celebrate. It’s a message we share at home… I think Southill is such a special place.”

“Just wanted to message to say how proud I am of the school for bringing these topics to our children….. I want my child’s mind to be opened and challenged. So thank you for providing this. As I work in children’s mental health I can assure you no evidence suggests talking about this topic causes any influence of it, in fact is reducing bullying and creates respect. So thank you!”

Learning for next time: 

One of the most valuable pieces of feedback we received was that some parents would have liked more information about Diversity Week further in advance and more details about what their children would be learning throughout the week.

We recognise that effective communication with parents is essential, particularly when we're exploring topics that relate to equality, diversity and inclusion. Parents are our partners in education and we want to ensure you feel informed and able to support your children's learning at home.

For future diversity events, we will:

• Share information with parents well in advance, including the themes we'll be covering and the learning objectives for each year group

• Provide examples of the activities and resources we'll be using, so you know what your children will be experiencing

• Offer suggestions for how you can continue conversations about diversity and equality at home

• Create opportunities for parents to ask questions or share any concerns before the week begins

We are committed to working in partnership with you to ensure that all our pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to thrive in our diverse society. 

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create an inclusive, welcoming school where every child can thrive.

Caroline