School stands against racism

STAFF and pupils at Bristol Brunel Academy joined in a whole-school event to stand together against racism.

People were encouraged to wear something red on a day of discussions, activities and fundraising for educational charity Show Racism the Red Card in February.

The charity aims to combat racism via role models, in particular footballers, having been inspired by former Newcastle, West Ham and Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

The Speedwell school held pop-up sessions at the start of each lesson, where students could discuss issues around racism, with themed personal, social, health and economic education (PHSE) lessons for every year group across the academy.

Stalls were set up at break times and lunchtimes to give pupils the chance to visit and talk to groups and organisations about racism.

Cake and sweet stalls raised money for the charity, as did a raffle to win vouchers for leisurewear retailer JD Sports.

Associate assistant principal Joshua Sterling, who organised the event, said: "At Bristol Brunel we stand together.

"We pride ourselves on the ongoing work we do with the Halo Code, which protects and allows all students and staff with Afrotextured hair to wear it naturally, as well as working towards our AntiRacist School Award to improve race equality in schools.

"The day allowed our students to show racism the red card, moving us one step closer to a world free from discrimination."