Equality, inclusivity and diversity

Copleston High School's motto reflects the inclusive school ethos- 'Achieving Success Together'.

We therefore:

Try to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Make sure our school is a safe, secure and stimulating place for everyone.
Recognise that people have different needs and we understand that treating people equally does not always involve treating them all exactly the same.
Recognise that for some students, extra support is needed to help them to achieve and be successful.
Aim to make sure that no one experiences harassment, less favourable treatment or discrimination because of their age, any disability they may have, their ethnicity, colour or national origin, their gender, their gender identity or reassignment, being pregnant or recently had a baby, their religion or beliefs, their sexual identity and orientation.

As a school we have a huge responsibility to ensure that children of all backgrounds and races recognise the existence of intolerance. The curriculum we deliver and class discussions we have carefully attempt to do this at an age appropriate level. We are constantly evolving our curriculum as we better understand how to celebrate diversity. We aim to educate children so that they are able to make the small adjustments to their own actions which will erode, and ultimately remove, both negative thoughts and actions against others. We do not tolerate any form of negative behaviour towards others. We see that as a school we have a duty to lead on matters such as intolerance and we should not sit quietly.

Please see below for our latest Equality Parent Updates

Our trust equality statement can be viewed here.

The Student Council has an explicit focus on Equality, Inclusivity and Diversity and will aim to research and present to all students across the school, updated information to help educate students on their perceptions. The PSHE curriculum will also be further developed to explore issues of equality and discrimination in more depth. We will also be examining what we teach in the classroom to adapt and reflect on how we deliver information about inclusivity. We also address all issues such as gender inequality, race, diversity, discrimination and prejudice through our form time programme and Copleston Culture in year 9 lessons. We work with local charities and community groups and listen to always further educate ourselves. We listen to our students and have an LGBTQ+ student led group, run weekly by sixth formers.

We also have a Recommended Reading list:

On race:

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Girl, Woman Other - Bernadine Evaristo

The Colour Purple - Alice Walker (please note delicate topic matter . 17+ only)

Queenie - Candice Carty-Williams (please note graphic descriptions 17+ only)

The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

Lies We Tell Ourselves - Robin Talley

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

On physical disability, mental health and SEND issues:

Break the Mould: How to Take Your Place in the World - SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH BOOK AWARDS by Sinead Burke

A Curse So Dark and Lonely - The Cursebreaker Series by Brigid Kemmerer

The Asperger Teen's Toolkit by Frances Musgrave

Funny, You Don't Look Autistic: A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Micheal McCreary

Dyslexia: A Teenager's Guide by Sylvia Moody

The Opposite of Falling Apart by Micah Good

on sexuality and identity:

The Shell House by Linda Newberry

Inheritance by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman

Out by Joanna Kenrick

If you wish to choose more books then please see Diverse Voices reading suggestions

Visit:

Website offering effective 'Ally' advice

🌈Kooth Supporting LGBTQi Young People 🌈

On Kooth there are lots of forum threads and articles related to identity, gender and sexuality and regular live forums. Content is created by our professional team and by our amazing users - where young people are sharing their lived experiences and poetic expressions. YOUNG PEOPLE have to be logged into Kooth for the links to work - These links may be a helpful resource to send Young people directly to let them know you support them.