Diversity is already an intrinsic part of our learning here at Redmaids’ High, but there is always more that can be done. During recent years we have made changes to our curriculum that reflect the times we live in and this work continues.
Our students learn about black and minority ethnic (BAME) histories and how race shapes the political agenda, but we also believe that providing the cultural context is just as important. For example, reggae is part of the music curriculum, our reading lists come from authors of all races and religions, and we study artists and plays that tell narratives from diverse backgrounds. Our students also heard from the Headmistress herself who gave them a very moving account of her own personal experience of coming from an immigrant family.
In 2019, to help us mark Black History Month, we welcomed David Olusoga OBE, a British Nigerian historian, writer, broadcaster, presenter and film-maker to school. He spoke about how racism and its terrible effects have been woven through our own national history.
We learn from Jewish and Muslim speakers from Middle East Education, who present our students with unbiased information about the situation in Israel and Palestine. Staff and students here also work with Just Like Us, a charity who empower young people to become LGBT+ roles models and we regularly invite SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) to school to provide ongoing training.
We wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter Movement in its aim to combat and counter violence and systemic racism, and work hard to ensure our school is a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for all. We know we cannot afford to be complacent and will continue to review and adapt our provision to ensure the education we provide is current and relevant.