At Knutsford Academy we value the input of our students and believe wholeheartedly in ensuring that our aims and initiatives reflect the views of all students, including those from groups that are often underrepresented in wider society. To ensure that the views of all students, from all backgrounds are heard at our school, we rely upon the input of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee when making decisions and devising policies that affect our cohort. Our EDI Committee is made up of nominated students from a wide variety of backgrounds, which include faith, race, nationality, ethnicity, sexuality and gender identity.
This commitment to EDI is reflected both in our Vision (Strong Community) and our Values (Ambition, Respect and Kindness).
After collating a draft set of new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Objectives alongside staff from diverse backgrounds (including race, faith and nationality) we then took them to our EDI Committee for their feedback.
As a result of this process, we are confident that our new EDI Objectives for 2024-2026 reflect the views, experiences and values of staff and students from all backgrounds and therefore are sure to have a positive impact on our school's ability to maintain its stance as a respectful, inclusive, kind and safe place to be.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Objectives 2024-2027
1. To acknowledge and celebrate key cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious events, integrating them into the academic and pastoral curriculum, for staff and students, through inclusive activities that promote awareness, respect, and understanding across the school community.
2. To create and implement a programme of study for all students, devised in collaboration with students, that celebrates diversity, acknowledges protected characteristics and addresses issues of intolerance. This will lead to an understanding of which behaviours are acceptable, and which are unacceptable and thus emphasise the school’s core values of kindness and respect.
3. To review relevant curriculum areas and their consideration of equality, diversity and inclusion across their subject areas. Following this, work with subject specialists to ensure that the curriculum is diverse, inclusive and decolonised and that the successes of minority groups are highlighted.
4. Maintain working spaces on the school website and across the school’s social media pages that commemorates and highlights the school’s good practice relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. This will include student work and key events.
Our Senior Deputy Headteacher, Mr Lawes, has the strategic oversight of EDI across the school. If you would like to discuss any issues with him, please get in touch by emailing JLA@knutsfordacademy.org.uk.
Here is a copy of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.