Committing to inclusion and diversity is not something a school, or any organisation for that matter, can switch on or off at request. I firmly believe that our Rookwood community is enriched by the diversity of backgrounds, identities and experiences that each person brings and these differences are recognised, not merely tolerated, as an essential element of what makes Rookwood such a wonderful school.
In the month of June, in which I have been asked about how the school intends to celebrate the month of pride, we continue to discuss and promote our values and what they could mean to us all. Last week, for example, when I spoke to the whole community about Mrs Ozanne passing away, I talked about emotional wellbeing and how the death of a trusted adult or a friend will induce different responses in all of us. I mentioned how it is OK to feel these different emotions and that we should acknowledge these feelings within ourselves. By promoting emotional wellbeing, we ensure that pupils have the confidence to be themselves and the support to flourish. The same could be said for all of our values; Integrity is about standing up for what is right, even when it feels challenging. Responsibility asks every member of our community to look out for one another, to speak up when they see injustice and to build a culture of mutual respect. Personal Growth happens most powerfully when pupils learn from a variety of perspectives, stretching their understanding beyond familiar horizons. Finally, Ambition and Safety combine to guarantee that every learner can set and pursue high goals in an environment free from fear.
Evidence is clear that an inclusive environment benefits everyone. Studies by the Education Endowment Foundation demonstrate that pupils in schools with strong cultures of respect achieve higher levels of wellbeing and attain better academic outcomes. Similarly, the latest report from Stonewall indicates that when LGBTQ+ young people, and indeed all pupils, see visible signs of inclusion, they feel safer, more motivated and more ready to learn.
At Rookwood, celebrating inclusion and diversity isn’t an annual event; it is our daily practice. It is the warm greeting in the morning, the thoughtful question in class, and the peer who offers support when someone feels unsure. Across the world’s great faith traditions, the golden rule, in its many forms, asks us all to treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. By living our values and by daring to know, we ensure that every member of our community is treated with kindness and can be successful as well as truly happy in being themselves.
I wish everybody an enjoyable and fulfilling weekend.
Best wishes,
Paul Robinson
Headteacher
