Page 126 - HMS 2020
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 Diversity Programme
  The children have enjoyed some brilliant assemblies and talks this year as part of our Diversity Programme
to celebrate our differences – be
they physical or cultural. Two of our key school values are acceptance and respect and the children were asked to think about how these related to issues surrounding diversity. Dr Zeeshan Sialvi gave a fantastic talk about Fundamental British Values and Islam, in particular some of the common misconceptions around Islam.
Our own Mrs Cove also gave a thought-provoking talk on the wide range of disabilities a person can be affected by – both seen and
unseen. In addition, we welcomed Siobhan Meade from the Guide
Dogs Association and her dog Marty. Siobhan spoke with great honesty and eloquence about how going blind in her teens affected her and how guide dogs have helped her regain her independence and zest for life.
The diversity-themed assemblies also featured Verity Naylor, the GB Paralympic Director of Operations, who gave a superb presentation on how the Paralympic Team gear up for each games. In the Summer term,
she was joined by Paralympics Chef de Mission for Beijing 2022 – Phil Smith – as they were interviewed by the Year 8 Scholars’ Journalism Club. In an exclusive ‘scoop’ the pupils found out about how Paralympics GB was supporting their athletes in light of the Covid-19 lockdown and postponement of the summer games.
Members of staff kindly volunteered for Mr Spowart’s Privilege Walk assembly as he asked the children
to reflect on how we are all different despite being members of the
same community. The privilege walk reminded pupils of the importance of recognising and reflecting on privilege which can be so woven into the mainstream that those who have them cannot see them. The assembly reminded the children that kindness and empathy are all the more important when we are unsure of what other people are facing in their private lives.
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Our nurture dog Doodle was delighted to have some canine company when Marty came to school.
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