UK students have opened up about the importance of School Diversity Week and Pride Month.
On 20-24 June, youth charity Just Like Us is set to host the UK-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ equality across thousands of primary and secondary schools.
During the week-long event, students will have the opportunity to take part in various activities, including LGBTQ+ inclusive geography and science lessons, storytime activities, school talks, and Rainbow Friday dress-up day.
Resources provided by Just Like Us are free for teachers and schools to use, covering EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4, as well as key subject areas such as posters, lesson plans, assemblies, form time activities and videos.
Ahead of the week-long event, Just Like Us released a video which featured an array of students expressing the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and support.
Tyannah, a Year 10 pupil, explained: “I feel like it’s really important to be inclusive of those people who are part of the LGBT+ community.”
Year 10 pupil Ahania echoed similar sentiments, stating: “I think it widens the school community. It strengthens us because then we know that everyone is accepted, everyone gets treated equally.”
Year 11 pupil Libby added: “[School Diversity Week] gives us the opportunity to be who we are without fear that people are going to judge us.”
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This year an array of LGBTQ+ authors like Benjamin Dean, Harry Woodgate, and Jodie Lancet-Grant have joined the event with exclusive readings of their queer-inclusive books – which is meant to spark more conversations about diverse families.
In a statement, Vice Principal Heather Denny from Norfolk expressed her excitement over the inclusive coursework and resources.
“We wanted to do something at Norwich Primary Academy that celebrated equality and diversity across the school,” she said.
“The top things that the children get out School Diversity Week is they feel included at school, they feel welcomed when they come to school, and they feel safe.
“The resources from Just Like Us are brilliant. They cover everything from English to maths and arts.”
Primary and secondary schools can sign up for free resources at www.justlikeus.org.
Help Just Like Us bring LGBTQ+ inclusive education to more schools this School Diversity Week by donating now, starting a fundraiser or joining their Founders’ Circle.
Watch the full video from Just Like Us below.
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