Diversity is everything that makes people different from each other. This includes many factors: race, ethnicity, genderr, ability, age or religious belief.

At Waverley Junior Academy we have developed a school culture that promotes diversity in our classrooms. We understand each pupil brings unique experiences, strengths and ideas and the exploration and incorporation of these differences enriches learning.

Diversity improves critical-thinking skills, builds empathy and encourages pupils to think differently. Teaching children how to live in a society where every individual is unique and how to connect with peers and neighbours with diverse backgrounds and abilities is invaluable.

At Waverley Junior academy we ensure our learning environment is a place where diversity is celebrated and all children feel valued by…

• Getting to know our pupils - Through our transition and induction processes staff spend time building relationships with the children in their care. This includes learning about their likes, dislikes, hobbies, backgrounds, religions and cultures. All teachers ensure they know the strengths and needs of every child in their class.

 

• Meeting diverse learning needs - Staff in school have high expectations of all pupils and are committed to ensuring they can achieve their full potential. Teachers deliver high quality provision to meet the needs of pupils and adapt their methods, resources and routines to suit all types of learners

 

• Using stories, resources and teaching materials that celebrate different religions, cultures and disabilities. We also hold assemblies and themed events such as Diversity day where all children learn about and discuss a particular focus.

 

• Addressing inequality - We create a space for children and staff to talk about how issues of discrimination affect them on a personal, classroom and school-wide level. By making diversity a topic of discussion in our academy, we ensure pupils and teachers will not hesitate to address it.

 

• Connecting with parents and the community - Waverley Junior Academy is at the heart of the community and reflects and celebrates its diversity. We welcome questions and ideas from parents and carers and invite them to identify areas in the curriculum that they feel could benefit from more of a focus on diversity.

 

• Providing professional development opportunities – We ensure all adults in school receive the training they need to support the pupils they work with. This includes Safeguarding, First Aid, Good Autism Practise, EpiPen, and Diabetes. Staff also attend weekly development meetings where they receive support and advice for planning and assessment, differentiation, SEND and the curriculum. They share ideas and strategies that have been successful.

Diversity Day 

Each year we celebrate Diversity Day. We are lucky at Waverley Junior Academy to have children who come from a range of different backgrounds and we love having the chance to celebrate all the ways in which we are different. Each year the children have the opportunity to discuss how everyone in their class is unique, including their appearance, culture, interests and home life. Many children bring in photos and items from home to share with their peers and the children take part in a variety of different activities and learn how to count and say phrases in many languages. 

      

They always produce beautiful work that is displayed proudly around the academy.

Each year we learn about different religious and cultural festivals and celebrations. This may include pupils taking in part in special assemblies, creative activities and themed days/ weeks. The events we celebrate include Diwali, Chinese New Year, Holi Day, Christmas, Ramandam, Eid, Easter and Diversity Day.

         

  

We also arrange for our pupils to visit different places of worship and invite visitors (including parents) into the academy to talk about their own experiences and beliefs.