By Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

On Thursday 12th January, the whole of Year 7 engaged in a Diversity and Inclusion day programme, which involved various enriching activities and open discussions about the Children’s Charter of Human Rights.

The students discussed what rights were and why they were so important and looked at how many children in the world still do not have the basic Human Rights we take for granted. To develop these ideas further they researched Malala Yousafzai’s brave story. They did an in-depth study of one of her speeches and looked at how to write a powerful speech. The students then had a go at writing a speech based on one of the Rights from the Children’s Charter.

During the afternoon session, the whole year group watched the film He named Me Malala. Malala Yousafzai won the Children’s Peace Prize in 2013. After the film, the year group discussed Malala’s reason behind telling her story: “I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many girls.”

The students enjoyed a lively cultural dance workshop in the Assembly Hall led by Year 9 students, Anaya, Aleena, Aditi and Narayani. They showcased a South East Asian dance, which they had choreographed themselves and taught it to the entire year group.

Over the next few weeks during form time, the year group will be continuing to look at some more inspirational Children’s Peace Prize winners.

Serena Hirani (7CAB) reflected: “I found the Diversity and Inclusion Day to be really interesting. We learnt a cultural dance which the year 9s taught us. We also learnt a lot about children’s rights and following that, we watched a film about Malala Yousafzai who fought for children’s rights to education. I now understand more about people’s perspectives, beliefs and culture. I really enjoyed today and hope to do something like this again.”

Heidi Krailing (7CCB) added: “The day was very enjoyable, it was very interesting finding out about different cultures and our rights as children. I found the film about Malala most interesting because it really showed me how life isn’t the same everywhere and that in order for change to happen we need to stand up.”