North Shields pupils celebrate diversity

Diversity in all its forms was on the timetable when children at a North Shields school took part in a week-long celebration of difference, inclusivity, and equality.

The week itself was the culmination of a series of events which were held during the first half of the Autumn Term as part of St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School’s annual Celebration of Diversity.

St Cuthbert’s belongs to the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, and the school was supported during the Celebration by students from fellow BBCET member St Thomas More Catholic High School.

“We have at least one week each year celebrating the diversity of our community, and we have a different theme each year, so this year it was ‘Diversity and Democracy’,” said St Cuthbert’s Headteacher, Shaun Dillon.

“All children from Nursery to Year 6 have been taking part alongside children from Year 7 at St Thomas More.

“All work has been carried out with the themes of diversity, equity, and democracy, and is taught through our Compassion Matters curriculum.”

Led by St Cuthbert's Assistant Headteacher, Kerry Cottiss, activities taking place across the seven-week period included dance, poetry, cooking, bike rides, rugby and hockey competitions, and a Harvest Assembly, as well as a meeting with the Young Mayor and Young MP for North Tyneside – both of whom are students at St Thomas More.

“The event took place over the first half term of the school year, and took place across the North East and in school,” explained Mr Dillon. 

“Other venues included the Laing Art Gallery for diversity workshops; the Saville Exchange to perform dances as part of a show based on the photography of Jon Crispin around the theme of mental health in the show Suitcase; working with Blyth Energy Academy and Texo; and cycling around our local area looking at features of diversity and equality.

“We have also worked with North Tyneside Young Mayor, Diamond Okoye, and North Tyneside Young MP, Maggie Stead.”

In addition, some pupils from the school were joined by the MP for Tynemouth as part of their work on democracy, while others reached out to older members of the community.

“Our children have also focused on democracy, and met with Sir Alan Campbell to continue work on supporting children of families seeking refuge in our area, and supporting children’s mental wellbeing,” continued Mr Dillon.

“Our Nursery children have been taking part in our annual intergenerational work with the Orchard Residential Home.”

“This week was a celebration of everything we have done over the past seven weeks,” he added.

“These events are central to what we do constantly throughout every year. They are part of our mission to treat everyone, and ourselves, with kindness, care, respect, and compassion.”