School Diversity Week 2022
School Diversity Week 20th - 24th June 2022
Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a legal obligation to promote understanding about LGBTQ+ equality and challenge prejudice; an obligation we welcome. Research conducted last year, indicated this matters greatly to Barnwell students too. Students indicated in their responses 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 Barnwell, 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 2022. School Diversity Week, organised by the charity Just Like Us (justlikeus.org), has the support of the Department for Education. In 2022, more than 5000 schools are signed up to take part across the UK.
Growing up remains unacceptably tough for many LGBTQ+ young people: LGBTQ+ school pupils are twice as likely to have been bullied and 91% have heard negative language about being LGBT+ in the past year, a new independent research report by charity Just Like Us has found. Positive LGBTQ+ messaging is linked to school pupils having better wellbeing, regardless of whether they’re LGBTQ+ or not. Alongside our anti-bullying and safeguarding policies, taking part in School Diversity Week is an important way of actively supporting LGBTQ+ young people in our school, and of demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive school environment where every young person can be themselves and thrive.
Rainbow Friday
Our activities this week will end with a Rainbow Friday, whereby students can change their tie, sock and tights for PRIDE colours. We will also be having a bake sale for the Mermaid Charity
