At Rookwood, we are proud to be a school that welcomes children and families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and worldviews. Consequently, in our interactions with each other, our pupils and staff learn how to listen, understand, and grow alongside each other. Our motto, Sapere Aude, asks our pupils to approach the world and each other with curiosity and the courage to ask questions, to challenge assumptions and to see the world from different perspectives.
It is, therefore, no surprise, when I was reminded by colleagues to acknowledge in some way the UNESCO day for Cultural diversity and dialogue, that I responded by saying that it will be a normal day for us. Studies on both sides of the Atlantic have shown that exposure to diversity in educational settings enhances critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. As Kite and Clark (2022) note, “Interactions across racial and cultural lines can improve learning outcomes and help students develop more sophisticated ways of thinking.”
Cultural diversity enables all of us to nurture our ability to be kind, resilient and to support not only our own wellbeing, but the mental health of everybody within our school community. The UNESCO declaration reminds us that cultural diversity is “as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.”
This week, and every week, we will continue to talk openly with our pupils about identity, belonging and respect. We will continue to celebrate the languages spoken in our homes, the food we share, the stories we tell, and the histories we inherit. And we will continue to build a community where every child feels safe, valued and known.
I wish everyone an enjoyable bank holiday weekend, and for those of us who are lucky enough to have the half term break, a week full of relaxation.
Best wishes,
Paul Robinson
