Bishop's Stortford Windhill21 primary pupils celebrate diversity and equality

Pupils at Bishop's Stortford's Windhill21 Primary School have been celebrating diversity and equality.

The youngsters took part in a week of activities including creative workshops, book swaps and a parade to explore what makes each of them unique and how important it is to value differences.

The programme also included a visit from charity Show Racism the Red Card and an artist who helped them create "diversity trees" for display around the school.

The culmination was a 'Dress to Express' day, when pupils were allowed to attend classes in clothes "that express who they truly are". Early Years and Key Stage 1 children showcased their outfits in an equality parade, sponsored by London Road business ITVET. They waved individually designed flags, representing their own unique characteristics.

Teacher Sarah Watson-Clarke, the school's diversity lead, said: "At Windhill21, we believe that equality and diversity start young. We are passionate about promoting and accepting the differences between individuals, and ensuring all people are respected and treated fairly and equally, no matter their race, gender, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation.

"In the course of our teaching, we discuss equality and diversity through age-appropriate literature and activities to encourage non-biased points of view and acceptance of others, but it is hugely exciting to be devoting a full week to this important area of the children's education."

In 2017, Windhill21 established a student group, The Equaliteam, to evaluate the school's stance on inclusion and equality and suggest improvements.

Since then the school has been commended by Ofsted for its celebration of diversity and difference, and also holds a Stonewall School Champions Silver Award.

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