Equality and Diversity

We are committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. This commitment is embraced by all members of the SMA community. We focus on the well-being and progress of every young person and where all members of our community are of equal worth. We believe that everyone is entitled to respect and dignity and we are committed to building an environment where our pupils, parents and carers, governors, staff and visitors are treated in this way.

We believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

How will we do this?

We aim to:

  • prevent discrimination, eliminate prejudice, promote inclusion and celebrate diversity
  • be equitable in our dealings with all people
  • understand and appreciate the diverse nature of different cultural backgrounds
  • ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything we do.

The Equality Act 2010 clearly defines seven groups of people who are considered under the legislation to have protected characteristics. Our strong Catholic ethos, mission and vision and community involvement lead us to be committed to creating and sustaining an environment of mutual tolerance, respect, dignity and good relations.

Who is included?

We positively celebrate the differences between people regardless of their:

  • age
  • disability
  • sex
  • gender reassignment
  • race
  • sexual orientation
  • religion or belief
  • marriage and civil partnership
  • pregnancy and maternity

What does equality mean?

It’s about treating people fairly and ensuring they have equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. This means treating everyone with fairness and respect and recognising the needs of individuals wherever we can.

What does diversity mean?

We know that people have diverse backgrounds, different skills, knowledge and life experiences. We value these differences, using them to create a better community.

What does inclusion mean?

It’s about positively striving to meet the needs of different people and taking deliberate action to create a school environment where everyone feels respected and able to achieve their full potential.

 

In June 2020, an Equality and Diversity Working Group was established to support this important work and has already made significant progress.

View our  Proud to be video below 

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Click here to see our Black History Month Assembly 

Click here to read the Education Commission Diocese of Southwark Statement of Commitment: Racism in Catholic Schools.

Click  here re to view the Academy Equality Policy 

The Big Conversation with Dwayne Fields 

 

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Black History Month assembly 

 

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Black Lives Matter assembly 

Events

Over the course of the month staff and pupils have experienced various events linked to celebrating, learning about and from Black History and culture. Here are a few examples.

Each Friday during October the catering team prepared culinary dishes from the Afro/Caribbean cuisine. 

There were various activities and competitions across the school.

The Art department also challenged all pupils to a competition to design a logo for a t-shirt that in their opinion best encapsulates the importance of learning about, learning from and celebrating Black history. The winning design will be printed and worn by all staff members. 

Miss Ahima led the ‘Familiar Faces’ competition which encouraged pupils to identify and research some familiar and perhaps unfamiliar faces of people from the BAME community, that have made significant contributions to our society. Pupils that were able to identify all ten faces and produce credible research were awarded a prize – the best being knowledge and informed understanding of the work of people in our wider community who are often overlooked. 

In support of the message of the Black Lives Matter movement and others – equality, justice and anti-racism, on Friday 23rd October, staff and pupils wore black clothing to show a visible gesture and stand against inequality, injustice and racism.