Diverse Curriculum

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde

Intent: 

At Olga Primary School our DEI curriculum is designed to provide equity for all. We want every member of our learning community to be represented and of equal importance in our school. 

By providing a school environment which is free from discrimination and prejudice, we want every learner to be the best they can be. 

We recognise that inequalities and unfairness exist within all levels of society, and we do not ignore that these issues exist. Our curriculum seeks to raise awareness and close these gaps, and we will empower and prepare the next generation for a fairer future within a multicultural society. 

Implementation: 
At Olga Primary School, we have committed to the Tower Hamlets Towards an Anti-Racist Curriculum  (TARCTH) project. 

Tower Hamlets is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, and as part of the borough’s Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Inequality Commission Action Plan it was recognised that schools and educators play a key role in shifting narratives and creating long lasting change. Therefore, the Commission funded a year-long project for 18 schools across Tower Hamlets to begin their anti-racist journey. 

The programme began in September 2021 with whole school training on anti-racism, which initiated difficult and much needed conversations. There was discomfort felt when exploring systemic racism in Britain and listening to the experiences of young Black people in schools. But there was also a sigh of relief from many educators who have been waiting for a programme that creates space for honest reflection and discussion and gives educators the tools and resources to diversify their teaching. The programme is currently in its second year.

 (Source: https://globallearninglondon.org/tower-hamlets-schools-commit-to-an-anti-racist-approach/ )

To implement this project at Olga, we are in the process of reviewing all parts of our curriculum across all subjects. Our aim is to focus on better representation in the texts we read, and to use a more diverse range of role models as case studies in our teaching.

We have also implemented a DEI programme called You Be You. 

You Be You is a curriculum that aims to raise the confidence of all pupils and prepare them to make the choices that are best for them. You Be You was created because too many boxes were being drawn around children at a young age. By the time children reach secondary school, they already have fixed beliefs about what subjects they’re good at, what activities they’re supposed to like, and what sort of job they should have in the future. 

Our goal is to keep children’s minds open about their abilities and help raise their confidence. No child should leave primary school believing that they can’t do something because of their gender, ethnicity, or family background.

You be You is taught once a week and the sessions seek to equip learners with language, terminology and skills to discuss a range of DEI topics. 

Impact:

Our DEI Curriculum at Olga focusses on progression of knowledge throughout the key stages. The impact is measured using the following methods:

Continuous discussion with children about their learning
Questioning and feedback in lessons
Images and videos of practical work
Pupil voice
Learning walks