EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Encouraging a more equitable future

Canford is committed to a collaborative, inclusive and dynamic approach to EDI. A range of events throughout the last year have challenged pupils and teachers alike to consider their approaches to these issues, while innovations such as QR codes now help pupils to raise concerns. A world free of bias For International Women’s Day, pupils were asked to imagine a non-gendered world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. A debate was also held on the motion: ‘This house would strive for gender equity rather than gender equality.’ Author challenges stereotypes A visit by novelist Louisa Reid also helped encourage pupils to consider how gender stereotypes can be constraining. She led discussions following readings from two of her recently published works, Gloves Off and Wrecked. House debates question status quo A lively evening of debating was held on the following motions: • This House rejects traditional masculinity • This House would ban transgender athletes from women’s sports • This House believes that science can never answer our biggest questions • This House would decolonise the curriculum • This House would set quotas for employees who are neurodiverse for all employers Building an anti-racist culture A workshop for all junior pupils, run by Jemma Roye, considered what it means to be anti-racist. These sessions were powerful and well-received by pupils who asked deep questions about this sensitive topic. Acknowledging neurodivergence Open-Minded is a new Canford focus group of interested pupils and staff seeking to raise awareness of neurodivergence and hidden disability in our community. Approximately one in seven people are considered to be neurodivergent in the UK and this includes conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, which can alter the way people learn and behave. Deaf musician motivates pupils Profoundly deaf musician Paul Whittaker OBE encouraged Fifth Form pupils to follow their dreams with the message not to let people tell you that you can’t do something. He taught them to sign along using BSL to No Woman No Cry and Reach for the Stars. OC Support We welcome support from former pupils, and would like to thank OC Donald Geikie (C67) for a most generous donation to Canford in respect of our EDI programme. He was delighted to hear about all the initiatives and plans at Canford and felt compelled to contribute, for which we are truly grateful.

International flavours

Persia To celebrate Nowruz, Persian New Year, and the arrival of spring, a special lunch menu was developed with the help of our Persian pupils. The food was delicious, and pupils enjoyed learning key facts about Nowruz from posters displayed around the school.

Turkey Pupils of Turkish heritage worked with the catering team to develop a special menu enjoyed by the Canford community at lunchtime. Following the meal, pupils and staff were invited to enjoy Turkish tea and learn to say Turkish greetings.

China Our Chinese New Year celebrations included a delicious lunch and pupils and staff enjoyed an evening playing traditional Chinese games, trying out Chinese art techniques and celebrating with tasty snacks and tea, led by our pupils from this country. Find out more about EDI at canford.com