There is a great deal of talk today about the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of society.
In the context of a school, these values are often encapsulated in the school’s stated ethos or mission statement. For Catholic schools, such as St Anthony’s in Hampstead, the unique personhood of each child goes to the very heart of our being.
We never tire of telling the children that they are special and that they bring something to their families, school and wider community that is unique to them, and them alone. The religious character of the school emphasises that we were all created equal by almighty God.
Acceptance and respect of each other, irrespective of race, colour or creed is not just a hallmark of well-run schools: protected characteristics, all nine of them, are prescribed in the law of the land. These are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
At St Anthony’s, protected characteristics is taught as part of the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) programme and interwoven into the taught curriculum. The heads of maths, science and humanities have promoted the code-breaking genius of Alan Turing, female scientists such as Dame Emily Lawson, and the enrichment of British society by links with former colonies.
Links with fundamental British values, such as democracy and freedom of speech, are underscored in assemblies and after-school debating and critical thinking clubs – both of which are greatly oversubscribed. The rich tapestry of life in contemporary Britain is presented and celebrated at every turn and in all its forms.
Diversity and inclusion also extends to providing a breadth of opportunities for children. The Learning Support department works with teachers to ensure those with learning needs are given the means to access the curriculum.
The sports programme at St Anthony’s offers rugby alongside hockey and, as evidenced in the Christmas concert, pupils performed the music of Bach and Liszt as well as John Lennon and Marc Almond.
The reason behind this approach is to include and engage as many children as possible. The student council and regular pupil surveys ensures that there is a culture of listening and response – which can only be a good thing.
- Richard Berlie is the headmaster at St Anthony's School for Boys in Hampstead.
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