School Diversity Week 21^st – 25^th June

Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a legal obligation to promote understanding about LGBT+ equality and challenge prejudice; an obligation we welcome. Research conducted earlier in the year, by our Associate Assistant Headteacher Mrs Keyworth, indicated this matters greatly to Highcliffe students too.  Students indicated in their responses to questionnaires about gender issues in school and wider society they would like the school to do even more to promote diversity in all forms and challenge prejudice.  Examples of comments from our students include:

• “I believe not only Highcliffe, but all schools should teach about gender equality”
• “Education about the range of gender identities and sexualities that exist and the types of prejudice people are still facing … [helps] students to be more accepting”

As part of our efforts to ensure our school environment is a place where every child can realise their potential, we will be joining hundreds of thousands of students and school staff taking part in School Diversity Week 2021. School Diversity Week, organised by the charity Just Like Us (justlikeus.org), has the support of the Department for Education. In 2021, schools representing over two million students are signed up to take part across the UK.
 
Growing up remains unacceptably tough for many LGBT+ young people: evidence suggests LGBT+ young people are twice as likely to feel lonely and worry daily about mental health than their peers. This has a potentially life-long impact on young people’s attainment and wellbeing. Alongside our anti-bullying and safeguarding policies, taking part in School Diversity Week is an important way of actively supporting LGBT+ young people in our school, and of demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive school environment where every young person can be themselves and thrive. It is a chance to explain to all our students the importance of diversity in the world we are preparing them for. As such, we will take the opportunity to celebrate all forms of diversity this week.
 

Mufti Day Friday 25^th June

Our programme of activities this week will culminate in a voluntary non-uniform Mufti Day supporting two diversity charities chosen this week after consultation with students through their Year Councils.  

Students participating should contribute £1.00 to these charities in return for being able to wear casual clothing. Money will be collected on the year group entry gates or off the buses as students arrive to school.  All money raised will be donated to two charities: The Proud Trust and Blueprint, (formally the Stephen Lawrence Charity).

Students and staff are welcome to wear bright colours or a range of colours to celebrate diversity. Please note that offensive slogans on T-shirts or revealing tops / crop tops / skirts / ripped clothes are not permitted, as always. The rules of jewellery and make-up still apply and students must still bring their correct equipment and books to school.

School Diversity Week promotes awareness and understanding, and reminds us all to challenge any prejudiced and discriminatory behaviour all year round, whether this is about gender identity, or indeed any diversity. Any student who does not wish to participate in this Mufti Day will wear their school uniform as normal, as is the case for all Mufti Days.