Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

At Kingswood we fi rmly believe that diversity and inclusion is a collective responsibility. There is a call to be transparent and open about our efforts to improve, as well as to share our successes.

Our aim is to ensure we embed Diversity, Equality and Inclusion into every young person’s educational, cultural and personal development, as well as in the working environment. In order to support this we have staff and students on the body of two working groups which support the DEI lead and help to develop appropriate actions.

At the beginning of the year we gave every member of our community – parents, staff and students – the opportunity to participate and engage with the DEI groups by completing an audit, the results of which will direct us in understanding and supporting our wider community and embrace the differences between us.

AFFINITY @ KWS

This year at Kingswood we also introduced a growing number of affi nity groups.

Students who share a particular identity or protected characteristic are able to gather and talk in a safe space about issues related to that identity, and transfer that discussion into action that makes for a more equitable experience at school. The groups are student-led with senior students overseeing, and pupils are encouraged to share with the rest of the School through assemblies and tutorial sessions. The affi nity groups currently at Kingswood include:

Pride, Black Students of Kingswood, Neurodiversity

Forum, and Junior Cultural Discussion.

BANES EQUALITY CHARTER

Kingswood Senior School has now signed up to the newly developed BANES race equality charter.

In line with our school ethos and commitment to equality, this charter will aim to make us accountable for our actions and ensure we continue to follow anti-racist practice. The charter encourages us to challenge incidents, champion equality, enable and empower communities through education, teach a diverse curriculum, and ensure we manage good practice whilst ensuring equality for all.

Scan the QR code to fi nd out more, or alternatively, visit: https://thehub.bathnes.gov.uk/ Services/6444

PRIDE

Our Pride group has been very active and have been able to meet in person every week.

“At Kingswood we have attempted to create a space where LGBTQ people can raise issues and discuss topics for improvement in the world around us, but fi rst and foremost we have tried to achieve a space where LGBTQ students at Kingswood can feel safe and comfortable to be themselves. It’s also been an important space for younger students to have the chance to ask questions about LGBTQ issues and experiences, and have those questions answered by someone close to their age who knows them. So far, the club has worked on raising awareness of this group and creating an information board in a classroom where there are posters explaining some more common questions asked about the LGBTQ community, and also where/when/what KWS Pride is and does. For the future, the club is working on fundraising ideas for Pride month, including assemblies to educate the wider student body, and a bake-sale, with a few more ideas in motion which involve Kingswood students further. We are also working on meeting other schools’ LGBTQ groups in the area, and on being a key part of the Bath 2023 Pride celebrations.”

Student

NEURODIVERSITY FORUM

Neurodiversity group has been an important forum for people from a variety of experiences and differences to come together and create a shared, creative and collaborative space.

While it is still in the early stages, the group has already been able to create an environment in which people can be free and open to share their feelings in a constructive manner. Attendants have spanned several year groups, and have included a multitude of neurodiverse individuals and a variety of experiences. Recently, some topics that have been discussed include: extra time and issues surrounding the way in which this is managed; how classrooms can become a more inclusive space to those who may be struggling; and the underlying challenges that neurodiversity brings. It has been excellent to be part of a group that is passionate about campaigning for change, acceptance and joy, and I am proud to be surrounded by such positive and wonderful individuals. Lily

CULTURAL DISCUSSION GROUP JUNIOR

This group gives our Westwood pupils the opportunity to chat about cultural issues that interest them. We meet as part of the activity program and share experiences, ideas and cultural examples then share them with the rest of the community.

BLACK STUDENTS OF KINGSWOOD CLUB (BSK)

In April, we started the Black Students of Kingswood club (BSK) to provide a safe space for the Black community in school and celebrate our varied cultures and histories.

We intend to educate, empower, entertain and engage our members.

We have weekly meetings with members ranging from Years 8 to 12. We had a small celebration for our Year 11s for their hard work in preparation for their GCSEs and to wish them luck. We are looking forward to celebrating our independence days together and educating the Kingswood community on the diversity of our African and Caribbean cultures. Zenzi and Fade