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  • Personal Development
  • EDI statement

EDI statement

At Harris Rainham Sixth Form, we celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that our differences strengthen us. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity or life experience.   

As a sixth form, we do not align ourselves with any political party or political movement. However, we are firmly committed to the principles of equality, fairness and respect for all. Through our promotion of British Values, including democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect, tolerance and the rule of law, we encourage students to become informed, responsible and active citizens. We are committed to challenging prejudice, discrimination and marginalisation in all its forms, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued, included and able to flourish. 

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is rooted in our core values of Curiosity, Compassion and Commitment. These values shape our curriculum, our relationships and the opportunities we provide for students to develop as informed, responsible and empathetic citizens. 

Curiosity 

We encourage students to explore different perspectives, challenge assumptions and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Through a broad and ambitious curriculum, enrichment opportunities and meaningful discussion, students develop an understanding of diverse cultures, identities and experiences. 

We believe that curiosity promotes understanding, combats ignorance and helps students become active participants in an increasingly diverse society.   

Compassion 

We value kindness, empathy and respect at the heart of our community. We strive to create a culture where all students feel they belong and where individual differences are recognised and celebrated. 

Compassion enables us to listen to others, appreciate different experiences and build meaningful relationships. By fostering a strong sense of belonging, we support every student to thrive both personally and academically.  

Commitment 

We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all students and to removing barriers that may prevent individuals from achieving their potential. 

This commitment is reflected in our curriculum, pastoral support, student leadership opportunities and wider enrichment programme. We continually review and develop our practices to ensure that Harris Rainham Sixth Form remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We Believe... 

At Harris Rainham Sixth Form, we believe it is important that all students understand: 

  • The history, experiences and achievements of the diverse communities that make up modern Britain and the wider world. 

  • The value of democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. 

  • The importance of challenging discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice. 

  • How different identities, cultures and perspectives contribute positively to society. 

  • The ways in which young people can use their voice to promote positive change within their communities. 

  • The importance of respectful dialogue, especially when engaging with views that differ from their own. 

  • The skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to thrive in higher education, employment and contemporary society. 

  • Their responsibility to contribute positively to an inclusive and equitable community 

 

Our Commitment 

We are committed to: 

  • Promoting equality of opportunity for all students and staff. 

  • Creating a community where every individual feels safe, respected and valued. 

  • Ensuring our range of curricula reflects the diversity of the world in which we live. 

  • Celebrating the wide range of cultures, backgrounds and experiences within our community. 

  • Supporting students to become compassionate, curious and committed citizens who make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

  • Continually reviewing our practice to strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of sixth form life.  

At Harris Rainham Sixth Form, we believe that excellence and inclusion go hand in hand. By embracing diversity and fostering a culture of belonging, we prepare our students to lead successful, meaningful lives and to make a positive contribution to the communities they serve. 

Guided by our values of Curiosity, Compassion and Commitment, we prepare students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. By fostering respect for different perspectives, celebrating individual identities and promoting equality of opportunity, we equip young people with the knowledge, skills and cultural awareness needed to succeed at university, in the workplace and as responsible global citizens. 

 

Resources to support students and parents 

 

Books 

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race 
Reni Eddo-Lodge 
An accessible exploration of race, identity and inequality in modern Britain. Suitable for mature sixth form students and often used in educational settings. 

Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire 
Akala 
Blends autobiography, British history and social commentary. Particularly relevant for students studying Sociology, Politics, History or English. 

The Gender Games by Juno Dawson 
An engaging and approachable exploration of gender identity, stereotypes and equality. Written by a former teacher, it is particularly suitable for older teenagers and young adults. 

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse 
Charlie Mackesy 
A shorter, reflective text focusing on compassion, belonging, kindness and mental wellbeing. 

The Good Immigrant 
Edited by Nikesh Shukla 
A collection of essays from diverse writers exploring identity, culture and belonging in Britain. 

Invisible Women 
Caroline Criado Perez 
Explores how data and decision-making can unintentionally exclude women. Excellent for developing awareness of equality issues. 

Humankind: A Hopeful History 
Rutger Bregman 
Examines human behaviour, empathy and cooperation. 

 

Podcasts 

About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge 
Explores race, identity, culture and social justice through conversations with academics, writers and activists. A thought-provoking resource for developing understanding of contemporary issues around equality and inclusion.  Listen:   

The Diversity Gap 
Examines the gap between good intentions and meaningful inclusion, with discussions on diversity, equity, belonging and social change. Encourages critical reflection and respectful dialogue. Listen:   

You're Dead to Me (BBC Sounds) 
A popular history podcast that combines expert historians and comedians to explore a wide range of historical topics, often highlighting diverse voices, cultures and overlooked figures from across the world. Listen: 

Changes with Annie Macmanus 
Conversations with a diverse range of guests about identity, resilience, belonging, personal growth and life experiences. Encourages empathy and understanding through storytelling.  
Listen:   

NB: My Non-Binary Life 
A BBC Sounds podcast exploring the experiences of non-binary people through personal stories and discussion. Accessible and educational for students wanting to learn more about gender diversity. Listen: 

 

Websites 

Stonewall 

The UK's leading LGBTQ+ equality charity, providing information, research, campaigns and support for LGBTQ+ young people.  https://www.stonewall.org.uk 

 

Just Like Us 

The UK's LGBT+ young people's charity, working with schools and young adults to promote inclusion, challenge prejudice and support LGBT+ students.  https://www.justlikeus.org  

 

Show Racism the Red Card 

A leading anti-racism education charity offering resources, campaigns and learning opportunities to promote equality and challenge racism.  https://www.theredcard.org  

 

Young Minds 

Mental health support, resources and advice for young people, including content related to identity, belonging and inclusion. https://www.youngminds.org.uk  

 

Beyond Equality 
Works with young people to explore gender, masculinity, equality and positive relationships. https://www.beyondequality.org  

 

Mentivity 
A community-led organisation that empowers young people through mentoring, education, youth programmes and safe spaces, helping them build confidence, resilience and the skills needed to thrive in education, employment and life.  https://www.mentivity.com  

Black Minds Matter UK 
Black Minds Matter UK helps make mental health support more accessible for Black individuals and families. The organisation provides resources, information and access to culturally appropriate therapeutic support, while promoting positive conversations about mental wellbeing. https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com