National Diversity Award Nomination

Award-Worthy Champions: Building a Brighter Future at WGS

We are so proud to hear that our student Diversity Champions have been nominated for a national award.

The group of students all aged 11 to 18 years, go above and beyond in their free time to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment within our 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 WGS community.

One of the Diversity Champions’ first projects was to work with their peers to create a set of values to celebrate their diverse school community 41% Asian, 30% white, 9% mixed, 8% black and 12% other or unknown.  The following values statement sits at the heart of everything they do: “WGS is an inclusive and inspiring community built on individuality, respect, equity and kindness.”

In weekly meetings, the Diversity Champions plan ways to mark different events that acknowledge the nine protected characteristics they all learn about in their Wellbeing lessons. They also work alongside Sixth Form Student Voice representatives who meet with advocates from every form group to discuss themes and issues relevant to all students.

Some of the notable events that the Diversity Champions have co-ordinated to date include raising awareness of the importance of showing empathy, tolerance and fairness during big celebrations around 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 Eid and Diwali, raising awareness of events such as World Mental Health Day, LGBTQ+ History Month and South Asian Heritage Month 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 the culmination of much work and a true celebration of the progress Diversity Champions have made so far to build a more cohesive and happy school. A joyous day was jam-packed with activities that celebrated the many cultures and identities of students and staff.

The Diversity Champions are now working towards Vaisakhi celebrations in School and have been invited to take part in the City’s celebrations in Wolverhampton’s West Park on 5th May.

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!

Please Vote Now! (Deadline 30th April 2024)