Inclusion & Diversity
At Wales High school, we share an ethos encapsulating the importance of valuing the diversity of all and fostering an atmosphere of solidarity with all groups and individuals and a celebration of all British international cultures and identities. When discussing diversity, this umbrella term covers a wide range of groups and individuals, under the 9 protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010. As a school, we aim to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the protected groups within our society through a diverse and enriching curriculum and a supportive and inclusive wider school life experienced by students outside of the classroom so that all students can grow as individuals and form part of an effective, empathetic society within school and as global citizens preparing for the wider world.
Wales has made a pledge to develop our school’s provisions for anti-racism and supporting the LGBTQ+. Through a robust PSHE curriculum combined with elements of tutor group time and assemblies, students experience a range of knowledge, ideas and understanding of people from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds and the diverse spectrum of sexuality and gender identity. Displays around school celebrate the diverse world we live in, offering visibility and voice for the variety of different groups within society and providing a welcoming environment for all students, enabling the opportunity for curiosity, developing understanding, and fostering a space of comfort.
Wales High School sets high expectations for all students when it comes to respect and acceptance, and we always hold zero tolerance of disrespectful behaviour towards any student or staff. Our Behaviour policy, combined with our Anti-Racism and LGBTQ+ policies clearly reflects that no form of discrimination will be tolerated and that any discriminatory behaviour towards someone with a protected characteristic is against the law.
At Wales, we take a restorative approach to discrimination to support the development of all students’ knowledge and understanding as a means of overcoming discrimination. We also emphasise the importance of impact over intent in all cases of discrimination so that all students and staff feels supported.
For further information about how Wales High School aims to develop its provisions for diversity and inclusion, or support with any questions, please contact our Personal Development lead, Mrs Feerick at [email protected]
Anti-Racism
It is important at Wales to provide all students with a culturally rich curriculum and develop a level of racial literacy to empower students in their understanding of race and racism in society so that they can feel confident in their understanding of the world around them and the variety of different people and cultures students may experience in their lives. We believe that all students and staff should be able to see themselves reflected within the curriculum we teach and feel valued within our school community but also feel confident to challenge discriminatory behaviours in productive ways.
As educational professionals, we have a duty of care to safeguard and protect all of our students and ensure their positive wellbeing is ensured at school. Black, Asian and individuals of colour should feel safe and valued within our school environment. In addition, it is important to be aware that Wales High School endeavours to be a supportive and inclusive environment that will encourage and champion people of colour wherever possible.
Racist behaviour will always be challenged at Wales, even if this will lead to uncomfortable conversations. This may also mean acknowledging our own vulnerabilities or any gaps in our knowledge and seeking help if necessary. After dealing with a racist incident using the school’s Behaviour policy and Anti-Racism policy, education will be provided to those who perpetuate discriminatory behaviour and support will be provided to victims of discrimination.
The school is proud of its Solidarity group that is available to all students, who wish to develop their understanding of anti-racism, be a part of anti-racist work within school and take part in the celebration of cultural and ethnic diversity across the world.
The space offers a place to discuss experiences and share ideas across a group of like-minded individuals. Anyone is welcome to join, just come along on a Tuesday and/or Wednesday lunchtime in E5.
LGBTQ+ Support
LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation used to represent the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, which can be split into two main categories: sexuality and gender identity. It is important to note the difference between the two as these terms are not synonymous with each other. Sexuality refers to an individual’s attraction towards others, whereas gender identity is a personal sense of one’s own gender. As educational professionals, we are aware that children in our care cover a range of sexualities and a range of gender identities such transgender, non-binary and genderfluid, etc. which may sometimes require reasonable adjustments to how we support these individuals, to provide the best quality of care and education.
If you would like further LGBTQ+ support and guidance that is outside of our school, there are a range of networks and support groups available across the South Yorkshire district for both student and family members. Please see our WHS Student and Family Support Pack.
It is important to ensure that our curriculum is reflective of the LGBTQ+ community, validating the experiences and visibility of the community, so that all staff and students can see themselves reflected. As a school, we will always challenge homophobic, transphobic and biphobic (HTB) discrimination, even if this will lead to uncomfortable conversations. This may also mean acknowledging our own vulnerabilities or any gaps in our knowledge and seeking help if necessary. After dealing with a HTB incident using the school’s Behaviour policy and our LGBTQ+ policy, education will be provided to those who perpetuate discriminatory behaviour and support will be provided to victims of discrimination.
The school is also proud of its Be-U-tiful group that is available to all students, who wish to develop their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, be a part of work supporting the community and celebrate the whole spectrum of gender identity and sexuality.
The group has supported many charity events over the years, raising money for HIV awareness through red ribbon sales in the Winter term and different LGBTQ+ charities across Pride months through bake sales, competitions, and raffles.
Anyone is welcome to join. Come and visit the group in IT3 on a Wednesday lunchtime.
Check out our Wales High LGBTQ+ Twitter account, which offers a range of information, news and updates with events and activities the school has been participating in.
     
   
