DIVERSITAS

Celebrating Diversity, Championing Equality at Stoke Damerel Community College

Stoke Damerel Community College is incredibly proud to celebrate the wide diversity of our College community. At present, our students represent over 40 different countries and speak more than 33 languages, forming a vibrant, multicultural environment that enriches every aspect of school life.

To support and empower this wonderfully diverse community, we launched an ongoing initiative called Diversitas—a student-led, staff-supported programme dedicated to inclusion, education, and equality.

What is Diversitas?

Launched in 2020, Diversitas was initially formed by a small, passionate group of students committed to creating a school culture rooted in respect, understanding, and equality. The group continues to grow each term, and its voice is being increasingly heard and recognised across the College.

Diversitas aims to:

Raise awareness around racism, prejudice, bullying, and discrimination of all forms.
Educate the College community through student-led talks, events, and curriculum-based activities.
Celebrate cultural identity, heritage, and belonging through inclusive and joyful recognition.

A Living Celebration of Cultures

Through Diversitas, we now proudly celebrate key cultural events and awareness days throughout the academic year. These include:

Chinese New Year – with food stalls, lantern-making, and traditional storytelling.
Diwali – through dance workshops, henna art, and light festivals.
Eid – marked with community Iftar gatherings and understanding Islamic traditions.
Black History Month – with assemblies, exhibitions, and spotlights on influential Black figures.
Pride Month and LGBTQ+ History – with awareness campaigns, ally training, and celebratory displays.
Cultural Dress and Identity Days – inviting students to wear traditional attire and share their heritage with pride.
Cultural Food Days – featuring international dishes prepared by students, staff, and families to foster cross-cultural appreciation.

These events not only educate but build bridges between communities and ensure every student feels seen and valued.

Challenging Discrimination on All Levels

At the heart of Diversitas is the unwavering belief that no student should experience discrimination in any form. Every student and member of staff has the right to live, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

To uphold this:

Students receive inclusion and diversity training.
Staff are trained to recognise and respond to discriminatory behaviour with confidence and empathy.
Diversitas meetings provide a safe space for students to share, reflect, and support one another.
The initiative feeds into Curriculum Collapse Days, embedding anti-discrimination education into the wider school framework.

Miss Frier, College Principal, shares:

“We value every student for who they are. Celebrating our diversity is not optional—it’s essential. Through Diversitas, we’re fostering a culture where understanding, respect, and inclusion are part of the everyday fabric of school life.”

Voices of Diversitas

These are the voices shaping the movement:

“When my religion and identity were used against me, I realised the importance of educating others. Diversitas gave me a way to speak up, and be heard.” – Naz

“After experiencing a racist incident, I finally felt comfortable seeking help. That’s what this group gives us—support, safety, and solidarity.” – TJ

“My parents are proud that I’m part of a group making change. It’s already making a difference in how I see myself and others.” – Naomi

“Nobody should face racism. Nobody should feel alone. Everyone should feel safe being who they are.” – Kuba

“This group gave me my voice back.” – Atta

Looking Ahead

Mr Kelly, Director of Specialist Services, says:

“We know ignorance and hate can still exist—but we believe they can be challenged. Through Diversitas, we are building a College culture where we don't just respond to racism—we actively work to prevent it. Our approach is anti-racist, inclusive, and proactive.”

Stay tuned for upcoming Diversitas events, poster campaigns, student-led workshops, and collaborative cultural showcases. The work is just beginning, and every student has a role to play in shaping a future of acceptance, respect, and equality.

Diversitas: We don’t just celebrate diversity. We live it.

DIVERSITAS
Celebrating Diversity, Championing Equality at Stoke Damerel Community College

Our Vision
Stoke Damerel Community College is proud to reflect a rich mix of languages, cultures, and backgrounds—home to students who speak 33 languages and represent over 40 nations.

Introducing Diversitas
Launched in 2020, Diversitas is our flagship initiative led by students and supported by staff. It aims to:

Tackle racism, prejudice, and all forms of discrimination.
Celebrate cultural heritage and individual identity.
Educate peers and staff through awareness campaigns, events, and dialogue.

Key Events & Celebrations

Chinese New Year – Lanterns, storytelling, and traditional dishes.
Diwali – Dance, henna art, and Festival of Lights activities.
Eid – Iftar gatherings, cultural learning, and celebration.
Black History Month – Influential figures, assemblies, and heritage displays.
Pride Month – Allyship workshops and inclusive celebrations.
Cultural Food Days – Share traditional cuisines from across the globe.
Cultural Dress Days – Showcase traditional clothing and the stories behind them.

Empowering Student Voices Diversitas provides a safe space where students meet fortnightly to share their stories, support each other, and create school-wide impact.

What Our Students Say:

“This group gave me a voice and a space to speak up.” – Naz
“I finally felt safe enough to report racism.” – TJ
“We’re learning how to help each other.” – Chriska
“It’s already making a difference.” – Naomi

Anti-Discrimination in Action

Staff and students trained in inclusive language and response.
Incidents addressed with empathy and education.
Anti-racism embedded into the curriculum through special collapse days.

Our Commitment

"We are building a culture of tolerance and understanding where all students feel seen, supported, and celebrated." – Miss Frier, Principal

“Our anti-racist, inclusive approach ensures everyone can thrive.” – Mr Kelly

Get Involved
Keep an eye out for Diversitas posters and event announcements. Every student has a part to play. Together, we are stronger.