Pledge for CHANGE

Windrush Day was the first anniversary of the launch of our pledge to tackle race inequality in our schools. We look at what’s happened so far, and what’s next.

June 22 is Windrush Day, when we remember and recognise the leading role the Windrush Generation and their descendants have played in making Britain stronger, culturally richer and more inclusive. Last year on Windrush Day we launched our pledge to tackle race inequality in Lewisham schools.

In Lewisham, we are committed to building an inclusive, high-achieving system of local comprehensive schools, rooted in and trusted by our community, in which all our children can succeed. As part of that, we are supporting our schools in an ambitious programme to improve outcomes for Black Caribbean heritage and Black and Minority Ethnic pupils, with schools coming together to work in new ways and to share good practice to embed race equality in our school cultures and curriculum.

We’re excited about the work that has started, and we know that it’s already starting to have an impact. Over these two pages we have highlighted some of the achievements. We know this is just the start and are looking forward to sharing more as this work develops.

Cllr Chris Barnham Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Community Safety

Since signing the pledge, the students of Bonus Pastor have been very actively engaged in tackling race inequality across the borough. Some of the projects we have introduced include the ‘Diversity Mural’ project, ‘Cultural Dress Day’ and the signing of the HALO Code. I have seen a real growth in confidence in our young people to ask questions and there’s a desire from the whole school community to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures across our borough.

Jonathan Ronan, Headteacher Bonus Pastor Catholic College

100% of schools and colleges have signed the pledge

66% of school leaders attended an event on transforming the curriculum

I enjoy coming to Young Leaders Academy because I get to learn new skills every week and also about Black history, which is something we don’t really learn about in school at the moment. It’s nice to come here and finally learn more about my heritage and where my ancestors are from. It makes me look forward to coming here every week.

Over 50 young people attending the Lewisham Young Leaders Academy

Year 5 pupils at Myatt Garden loved exploring the theme of Migration with Peoplescape Theatre. After watching a performance, the children were inspired to find out more about other people’s journeys. Two journeys, one escaping the dictatorship in Chile and the other from Trinidad to Saville Row, provided the starting point for the children developing their own performances about Lewisham’s history and the stories of its people.

Sally Williams,

Headteacher Myatt Garden lewisham.gov.uk

100 parents are taking part in ‘Community Conversations About Race’ workshops our schools.