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CULTURAL INCLUSION
A few years ago I was approached by a pupil with some questions about their identity. They had experienced a situation that led them to ask questions about who they were and where they fit in within the School community - this was the motivation behind the first cultural discussion group.
At this point the focus was largely on racial identity and culture but over the years this has developed into something where the aim is to be totally inclusive. We would meet during activity time and pupils would discuss their experiences and share their cultural knowledge, all pupils were welcome to either share or simply listen and learn. Back then the numbers were relatively small with about ten attendees from across the year groups coming along each week.
Today, the group has established itself as a wholly inclusive discussion group that is a safe space for discussions on a wide variety of topics, most recently we discussed neurodiversity as well as cultural appropriation. The format of the group has also changed in the last two years and we now meet online which has meant we have reached a much wider audience which, in turn, means we have a wider scope for discussion.
The overall aim of the newly named Cultural & Inclusion Discussion Group is to provide a forum for pupils to openly discuss issues that they are passionate about. It allows pupils to have their voices heard by staff as well as each other. Pupils are invited to chair discussions based on what they want to talk about or comment on the issues being discussed. They can do this by typing in the chat or unmuting their microphones when invited to. Another aim of the group is to challenge views and perceptions which allows members to have a deeper level of understanding as they see topics from a different perspective. Also, action can be taken towards making changes based on the outcomes of the discussions. This has had a school wide impact and led to some major cultural and practical changes to our school community.
Lily in Year 11 said;
“When I chaired the cultural discussion group I talked about neurodiversity which includes things like autism, OCD, ADHD and dyslexia. And it was really important for me to be able to have that platform where I was able to articulate things that I’m passionate about… I really struggled with coming to terms with my diagnosis, as I got diagnosed really late in life, so, if I was able to offer any kind of support or just let people know, who are going through something like that that they're not alone… that is really important to me because I wish I had something like that when I was struggling with it. I also like how supportive everyone is no matter what year group they are in. Everyone is so respectful and ready to learn and because everyone is so ready to learn and share their experience it is an educational and really interesting group to be a part of. ”
Some of the topics covered this year have included: The Experience of being ‘Mixed race’, Youth Mental Illness, and The impact of
Colonialism on Hong Kong, along with various others including open discussion sessions where pupils can talk about current social issues and share recommendations and resources for further understanding. Pupils also launched the fi rst (traveling) edition of the CDGzine, with an exclusive run of T-shirts with the articles printed directly onto them. The money raised went towards a fund for Off The Record - a mental health and well-being support service for young people.
It has been a very enjoyable and rewarding group where both junior and senior pupils have been able to interact virtually and learn from each other.
“We are so privileged as a group that the solidarity between the members has continued to provide such a comprehensive and supportive environment, allowing personal experiences to be shared in a way that uniquely encourages greater understanding of these topics.” - Elli, Year 12
PRIDE CLUB
This year, Pride Club went virtual with members meeting online each week.
With the support of a workshop from SPACE @ Off The Record, the group were able to discuss topics and share experiences. Pupils were to join the meetings anonymously if they chose and simply listen or interact and share ideas more publicly.
During Pride Month, rainbow badges were sold to raise money for Off The Record Bath. Some Westwood boarding pupils showed their support by making some amazing pride-themed bracelets, anklets and badges of their own to add to the fundraising pot. £170 was raised altogether.
In an extended assembly we had a virtual live presentation from William Heath of Fairfi eld House who was able to tell us about the Emperor and answer some questions from pupils. We learnt about the history of Fairfi eld House as well as the very famous historical residents and we were given the opportunity to delve into the past and note how the City of Bath has always welcomed and supported those in need despite the cultural differences. The success of this event led to the Cultural Discussion Group hosting Mr Heath again with some other special guests – educational coordinator Rob Mitchell and Ras Benji, who educated us about the life of Emperor HIM Haile Selassie I and his family and how he came to be exiled in Bath. Fairfi eld House is a huge part of our cultural history here in the city and we hope we will be able to further support them by participating in events, volunteering and engaging with the radio programmes. To fi nd out more please visit www.fairfi eldhousebath.co.uk.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October saw the start of Black History Month and we were delighted to welcome some guest speakers from Fairfi eld House, Bath, the home of the exiled Ethiopian Emperor HIM Haile Selassie I.
