Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

To achieve this vision, we have set the following outcomes for the school, its staff, and students:

School

• CH is an environment that values, respects, and celebrates all cultures and communities.
• CH is a positive actor for social change beyond the school, setting an example for its students.

Staff

• CH staff have the skills and knowledge to better support students in their journey to becoming positive social actors.
• CH staff strengthen their impact beyond the school, providing examples for the students.

Students

• CH students have the knowledge and skills to bring about positive change in their communities.
• CH students utilise the various networks they have access to, including, but not limited to, the Old Blues network.

Within the overarching outcomes, we have set the following intermediate outcomes across three focus areas:

School

• Increase cultural awareness and appreciation among students and staff
• Implement and review inclusive policies regularly
• Strengthen partnerships for cultural exchange and support

Staff

•  Provide ongoing EDI training for staff, and opportunities to develop EDI Leadership
•  Foster a network for sharing EDI best practice and resources

Students

• Equip students with leadership skills for social change
• Encourage active engagement with mentorship network
• Increase participation in cultural events and affinity groups

The Affinity Group Programme creates spaces for students and staff to come together, fostering a sense of belonging and safety. This supports our commitment to making Christ’s Hospital more diverse and inclusive, giving students the opportunity to communicate and identify through the intersections of their identities.

The programme serves as the umbrella for all student-led groups. Over the past two years, the number of affinity groups has grown from 3 to 17. In addition to the School Council, students lead all affinity groups and serve as the student voice for CH. Each group has an appointed staff liaison to assist student leaders in organising meetings and activities throughout the year. Our affinity groups include:

As part of the 2nd form induction, we have a dedicated lesson on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for our youngest students upon their arrival into the CH community. This is crucial for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment from the very start. These intentionally small grouped lessons help children understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of their peers, promoting empathy and respect. By introducing these concepts early, we lay the foundation for a community where every student feels valued and included. We make it known that CH actively Creates a safe space for conversation is essential, as it encourages students to express their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment. The introduction to our affinity groups supports the exploration of the intersectionality of identity, helping students recognise and respect the multiple facets that make up everyone’s unique identity.

This proactive approach not only helps prevent misunderstandings and biases but also encourages positive social interactions and a sense of belonging, which are essential for the overall well-being and development of our students.

In African cultures, the community always comes first. The individual is born out of and into the community and will always be part of it. Umunthu emphasises the connection of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds.

At CH, Umunthu represents how we celebrate the ever-expanding connections between our CH community members and the wide and varied communities from which we originate. The Umunthu programme brings together our individual communities’ significant events and celebrations into the CH community calendar, strengthening the sense of belonging to the CH community.

Annual Affinity Showcase

September’s Affinity Showcase our affinity groups host a table or station to share their culture with the school community through music, food, games, stories, slideshows, exhibitions, etc. In addition to the above-named societies, we also encourage students to represent and share their social identity groups (e.g., railway club, dungeons and dragons).

To amplify our EDI initiatives and strategy, Christ’s Hospital will actively collaborate with other schools and organisations. These partnerships will help us share best practices, resources, and support systems, enhancing the impact of our EDI efforts. Key areas of collaboration include:

• Joint Events and Programmes: Partnering with other schools to host joint events, workshops, and cultural exchanges that promote diversity and inclusion.
• Students from other schools joined us for various events.
• Resource Sharing: Sharing educational materials, training programmes, and EDI resources to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
• Empowered by Vee
• Motivez
• Barclays Elevate School Leavers Programme
• RAP therapy
• Empowered by Vee
•  Research and Development: Collaborating on research projects that explore new strategies and approaches to EDI, ensuring our initiatives are informed by the latest findings and best practices.
• Community Engagement: Working with local organisations and community groups to extend our EDI efforts beyond the school, fostering a broader culture of inclusion and social responsibility.

These collaborations will contribute to our overarching outcomes and help us achieve our vision of empowering CH students to become leaders in positive social change.

Flair

Bold Voices

Church Of England

If you are interested in collaborating with this initiative please email: edi@christs-hospital.org.uk

CH’s eMpowering Voices Programme features inspiring speakers dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities through education and innovation. Fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment the programme is enriched by hearing from voices from all walks of life, offering diverse perspectives and experiences that inspire and guide our students.

MVP prioritises the emotional well-being of our students, recognising that a strong emotional foundation is essential for overall success. Alongside this, MVP provides tangible and actionable steps to improve academic performance, ensuring that students have the tools and strategies they need to excel not only in their studies but in their personal lives.

If you are interested in becoming a MVP, email: edi@christs-hospital.org.uk

EDI House Reps

EDI Monitors

Affinity Group Leaders