Wolverhampton Grammar School Diversity Champions
Nominee Profile
Location: Wolverhampton
The Diversity Champions at Wolverhampton Grammar School, are a dedicated group of students aged 11-18, who go above and beyond in their free time to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment within their school and also the wider community. Their unwavering belief that every individual deserves to be celebrated fuels their efforts to give visibility to every member of the School community.
Building a Foundation of Unity:
WGS boasts a rich tapestry of cultures with 41% Asian, 30% white, 8% black and a diverse mix of other ethnicities. Working with their peers, the Diversity Champions led the creation of a powerful values statement: “WGS is an inclusive and inspiring community built on individuality, respect, equity and kindness.” This core principle guides all their actions.
Champions in Action:
In weekly meetings, the Diversity Champions translate passion into action. They champion awareness and understanding of the nine protected characteristics which they all learn about in their Wellbeing lessons. They work hand-in-hand with Student Voice representatives, ensuring all voices are heard.
Some of the notable events that the Diversity Champions have co-ordinated to date include fostering open dialogue about inclusivity during Black History Month. They welcomed Patron of the Black Curriculum, the Right Honourable Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, who was tragically murdered in a racist attack in 1993. They had the honour of interviewing Stuart and discussed the legacy they want to leave behind at WGS to ensure their work on diversity lasts a lifetime. They were able to speak about the pride they felt in running an assembly on Black History Month for other students.
Other activities have included celebrating religious events such as Holi, Ramadan and Diwali, raising awareness of events such as World Mental Health Day, LGBTQ+ History Month, Chinese New Year, International Day of Women in Science and Neurodiversity Week, and getting involved with charity fundraising or highlighting topical issues that might affect young people such as discrimination, online safety, sexism and much more.
Most recently a 'We are WGS Day’ was a vibrant celebration that showcased the hard work of the Diversity Champions to date. A joyous day was jam-packed. Students were invited to express themselves through fashion and came to school in clothes reflecting their culture or interests. A school-wide fashion show saw students and staff take to the catwalk to showcase outfits from stunning sarees to karategi and everything in between - the outfits were a vibrant reflection of the WGS community.
There was a chance to taste foods from all over the world, learn to tie a turban, take part in mehndi and face painting or dance along to some dhol drumming. Some geek culture, a USA and Cornish corner and storytelling from around the world completed the mix. Later in the day there was zentangle art and a djembe drumming workshop, plus break dancing, kabaddi and inclusive volleyball in the Sports Hall. The Sixth Form Common Room was taken over by DJ Nick Singh and students learnt the art of Bhangra dancing.
Currently the Diversity Champions are gearing up for Vaisakhi celebrations both in School and in the community. They have been invited to take part in the City’s celebrations in Wolverhampton’s West Park on 5th May. These remarkable students are building a more inclusive and happy school, one event at a time.
Throughout all these events with the support of their teachers, the Diversity Champions have led the way with ideas, enthusiasm and hard work. Their passion for kindness, empathy and positivity is a shining light. Thank you to Kendall, Tapiwa, Jacob, Zandile, Favour, Saqqara, Hana, Isabella, Benjamin, Jai, Azim, Catherine, Esha, Sneha, Jasmin, Kyla, Khemi, Jack, Lola, Matthew and Angelina. Their efforts deserve recognition – please nominate the Wolverhampton Grammar School Diversity Champions for this prestigious award!
Building a Foundation of Unity:
WGS boasts a rich tapestry of cultures with 41% Asian, 30% white, 8% black and a diverse mix of other ethnicities. Working with their peers, the Diversity Champions led the creation of a powerful values statement: “WGS is an inclusive and inspiring community built on individuality, respect, equity and kindness.” This core principle guides all their actions.
Champions in Action:
In weekly meetings, the Diversity Champions translate passion into action. They champion awareness and understanding of the nine protected characteristics which they all learn about in their Wellbeing lessons. They work hand-in-hand with Student Voice representatives, ensuring all voices are heard.
Some of the notable events that the Diversity Champions have co-ordinated to date include fostering open dialogue about inclusivity during Black History Month. They welcomed Patron of the Black Curriculum, the Right Honourable Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, who was tragically murdered in a racist attack in 1993. They had the honour of interviewing Stuart and discussed the legacy they want to leave behind at WGS to ensure their work on diversity lasts a lifetime. They were able to speak about the pride they felt in running an assembly on Black History Month for other students.
Other activities have included celebrating religious events such as Holi, Ramadan and Diwali, raising awareness of events such as World Mental Health Day, LGBTQ+ History Month, Chinese New Year, International Day of Women in Science and Neurodiversity Week, and getting involved with charity fundraising or highlighting topical issues that might affect young people such as discrimination, online safety, sexism and much more.
Most recently a 'We are WGS Day’ was a vibrant celebration that showcased the hard work of the Diversity Champions to date. A joyous day was jam-packed. Students were invited to express themselves through fashion and came to school in clothes reflecting their culture or interests. A school-wide fashion show saw students and staff take to the catwalk to showcase outfits from stunning sarees to karategi and everything in between - the outfits were a vibrant reflection of the WGS community.
There was a chance to taste foods from all over the world, learn to tie a turban, take part in mehndi and face painting or dance along to some dhol drumming. Some geek culture, a USA and Cornish corner and storytelling from around the world completed the mix. Later in the day there was zentangle art and a djembe drumming workshop, plus break dancing, kabaddi and inclusive volleyball in the Sports Hall. The Sixth Form Common Room was taken over by DJ Nick Singh and students learnt the art of Bhangra dancing.
Currently the Diversity Champions are gearing up for Vaisakhi celebrations both in School and in the community. They have been invited to take part in the City’s celebrations in Wolverhampton’s West Park on 5th May. These remarkable students are building a more inclusive and happy school, one event at a time.
Throughout all these events with the support of their teachers, the Diversity Champions have led the way with ideas, enthusiasm and hard work. Their passion for kindness, empathy and positivity is a shining light. Thank you to Kendall, Tapiwa, Jacob, Zandile, Favour, Saqqara, Hana, Isabella, Benjamin, Jai, Azim, Catherine, Esha, Sneha, Jasmin, Kyla, Khemi, Jack, Lola, Matthew and Angelina. Their efforts deserve recognition – please nominate the Wolverhampton Grammar School Diversity Champions for this prestigious award!