Diversity Day 2025

On Friday 4th July, The Castle School was bursting with colour, music, and energy as we held our very first Diversity Day! The event was an incredible celebration of the different cultures, talents, and stories that make our community so special – and what a day it turned out to be. 

The Performance Showcase 

One of the standout moments of the day was our dazzling Performance Showcase, where students and guest performers lit up the stage with cultural music, dance, and creativity. 

Highlights included:

• Arshan (Year 7) shared a beautiful pre-recorded performance on the Santur, a traditional Iranian instrument. 
• Varsitha (Year 10) impresses with a pre-recorded video of traditional Indian dancing. 
• Ronni (Year 9) performing on the Erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument. 
• Matilda (Year 7) bringing energy and rhythm with Irish dancing. 
• Iona (Year 11) performing on the Guzheng, a Chinese string instrument. 
• Adam Eastman – Panache, captivating the audience with steel pan music originating from Trinidad and Tobago. 
• RISE Youth Company, who closed the showcase with a vibrant Carnival Soca performance, also from Trinidad and Tobago, that had everyone hand and arm dancing along! 

The atmosphere was electric – the audience clapped, cheered, and smiled throughout, making it a truly unforgettable celebration of culture and talent.

Inspiring Workshops and Guest Speakers

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to take part in thought-provoking workshops and hear from inspiring guest speakers, designed to spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

One of the highlights was a moving session with Lewis Wedlock, who explored themes of equality, inclusion, and social responsibility. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider ways to challenge stereotypes and barriers in everyday life.

Another standout session introduced students to British Sign Language (BSL). For many, it was their first time learning even a few signs, and the workshop gave students a hands-on opportunity to communicate in a new and inclusive way. This session not only taught practical skills but also highlighted the importance of accessibility, understanding, and breaking down communication barriers.

Year Group Experiences

In addition to the performance showcase, guest speakers and workshops, each year group had their own unique journey throughout Diversity Day, giving students the chance to explore fresh ideas and discover perspectives they may not have encountered before.

• Year 7 began their Diversity Day adventure by exploring themes of disability and inclusion with Nath Fernandes from VEUcan, who shared his personal story and challenged students to think about barriers and accessibility in new ways. The sessions encouraged empathy and understanding, sparking thoughtful conversations among our youngest students. Later, they joined our Learning Support team for “Brainbow,” a creative and interactive workshop that highlighted the strengths and experiences of people with neurodiversity. Students left with a greater appreciation of difference and how it enriches our community.

• Year 8 stepped outside the school gates for their very first full year-group trip. They visited a range of Places of Worship, giving them the chance to see faith and culture in action. From the atmosphere of quiet reflection in a church to the vibrancy of a mosque or temple, students experienced the richness of spiritual traditions first-hand. Many commented on how eye-opening the visits were, helping them see the similarities as well as the differences between communities of faith.

• Year 9 tapped into their creativity with a hands-on Adinkra printing workshop, led by artists from the Ghanaian community. They learned about the meanings behind traditional Adinkra symbols – representing concepts such as wisdom, strength, and unity – and proudly created their own prints that will be used to form a collaborative piece of art work displayed in school. The year group also took part in an empowering session with the LGBT+ charity Just Like Us, where they discussed identity, acceptance, and allyship. These activities sparked important reflections on respect, equality, and the importance of inclusion in everyday life. 

• Year 10 also rolled up their sleeves for the Adinkra printing workshop, producing some stunning designs while learning about Ghana’s artistic traditions. They then shifted focus to neurodiversity with a session led by Leanne Maskell, an international speaker, author, and ADHD coach. Leanne’s talk was packed with insight and encouragement, inspiring students to see difference as a strength and equipping them with strategies to embrace diversity in learning and life. 

• Year 12 had a full programme of thought-provoking activities designed to broaden their perspectives and deepen their empathy. Working with the Red Cross, they explored the global theme of migration, stepping into the shoes of people forced to move across borders in search of safety. They also collaborated with The Diversity Trust, engaging in honest discussions around identity, equality, and representation. To end the day on a high note, they joined a lively global dance workshop with RISE Youth Dance, where rhythms from around the world brought energy, joy, and laughter to the room. 

A Day Full of Smiles

The atmosphere was joyful all day long. Students wore outfits that reflected their heritage and culture, filling the school with colour and pride. Even the canteen joined the celebration, serving up a special themed menu! 

Looking Ahead

Diversity Day 2025 was more than just an event – it was a joyful, exciting celebration of everything that makes The Castle School unique. From music and art to powerful conversations, it was a day that truly brought our community together. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2026!