A creative display of pupils’ artwork and literature was showcased at a special anti-racism exhibition at Stanhope Primary School on Monday (21 October).
To coincide with Black History Month, the staff and children at the school, in Mansell Road, Greenford, displayed a variety of creative methods highlighting their learning on anti-racism and their understanding of historical moments and people of significance.
There was a performance by the school’s choir, speeches by the school’s equality ambassadors, and the children were bursting with excitement to share their work with guests, including Ealing Council’s deputy leader Councillor Louise Brett, and the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Yvonne Johnson.
A passion for equality
Headteacher Hannah Widdison said: “I am so incredibly proud of our children, their deep passion for equality, and their thirst to insight change. During the run-up to the exhibition, I have also seen the impact of the work that we as a school have done on equality – children’s desire to learn more about the world and their incredible passion to do the right thing and to stand up against injustice.”
Ivy Laryea, the school’s race and equality lead and assistant headteacher, added: “Throughout this project, it was inspiring to see how deeply the children have understood the concepts of fairness, kindness, and respect. It has made them more aware of the impact of racism and prejudice and they are better equipped to deal with unfair behaviour when they see it.”
Innovation and awards
Earlier this year, the school was also shortlisted for 2 prestigious national education awards that recognise the best schools and teachers in the United Kingdom. Stanhope prides itself on the work it does to promote equality and last year it introduced an equality vending machine, which houses books all on the theme of equality and aims to deepen children’s understanding of the types of discrimination.
The Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) organisation also gave the school its Inclusive School Award last year, for ongoing commitment to providing the very best education for all children irrespective of differences; and IQM also designated it as a Centre of Excellence for its outstanding work.
Councillor Brett said: “The hard work that went into organising the school’s anti-racism exhibition shone through, it was very moving to see first-hand how passionate the children were when I spoke to them about their work. I am very proud of the amazing schools we have in the borough, and the staff and pupils that make them so special.”
