Kingswood's Cultural & Inclusion Discussion Group

"A few years ago I was approached by a pupil with some questions about identity. They had experienced a situation that led them to ask questions about who they were and where they fit in within the school community, this was the motivation behind the first Cultural Discussion Group.

At this point the focus was largely based on racial identity and culture but over the years this has developed into something where the aim is to be totally inclusive. We would meet during activity time and pupils would discuss their experiences and share their cultural knowledge, all pupils were welcome to either share or simply listen and learn. Back then the numbers were relatively small with about ten attendees from across the year groups coming along each week.  

Today, the group has established itself as a wholly inclusive discussion group that is a safe space for discussions on a wide variety of topics Most recently we discussed neuro diversity as well as cultural appropriation. The format of the group has also changed due to the current situation, we now meet online which has meant we have reached a much wider audience which in turn means we have a wider scope for discussion. This term we were privileged to be able to welcome some guest speakers from Fairfield House, Bath the home of the exiled Ethiopian Emperor HIM Haile Selassie I. We were enlighten with some very positive local history and hope to invite more guest speakers in the future.  

The overall aim of the newly named Cultural & Inclusion Discussion group is to provide a forum for pupils to openly discuss issues that they are passionate about. It allows pupils to have their voices heard by staff as well as each other. Pupils are invited to chair discussions based on what they want to talk about or comment on the issues being discussed. They can do this by typing in the chat or unmuting their microphones when invited to. Another aim of the group is to challenge views and perceptions, which allows members to have a deeper level of understanding as they see topics from a different perspective. Also, action can be taken towards making changes based on the outcomes of the discussions. This has had a school wide impact and led to some major cultural and practical changes to our school community."  

- Janine S. Gardner, leader of the Cultural & Inclusion Discussion Group

“When I chaired the cultural discuss group I talked about neurodiversity which includes things like autism, OCD, ADHD and dyslexia. It was really important for me to be able to have that platform where I was able to articulate things that I’m  passionate about. I really struggled with coming to terms with my diagnosis, as I got diagnosed really late in life, so, if I was able to offer any kind of support or just let people know, who are going through something like that so they're not alone. I also like how supportive everyone is no matter what year group they are in. Everyone is so respectful and ready to learn and because of this, it is an educational and really interesting group to be a part of.” 

- Lily, Year 11

“Living in a beautiful corner of the world like Bath, many of us are privileged enough to have not felt the adverse effects of discrimination first hand, and for many, our first real interaction with the subject of prejudice and intolerance took place over Teams, in the Cultural Discussion Group that was launched over Lockdown.  

Across the boundaries of gender, age, and race, the Cultural Discussion Group initially allowed us the space to discuss the social issues that had come to light following the murder of George Floyd and, on a more local level, the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol. More than this, though, the CDG provides a safe environment to educate, and to be educated, on matters spanning discrimination of all kinds; not only on the complexities of race and colourism, but on neurodivergence, homophobia and the intricacies of toxic masculinity to name a few.  

We are so privileged as a group that the solidarity between the members has continued to provide such a comprehensive and supportive environment, allowing personal experiences to be shared in a way that uniquely encourages greater understanding of these topics. 

The Discussion Group’s broad-mindedness has already opened many eyes to the reality of treatment towards minorities, even in inclusive communities such as Kingswood. Within the Group, we aim to promote change, and accept diversity, to be carried out throughout the rest of the school. Not only is it important that Kingswood is taking a firm stance against discrimination, but it is also equally as valuable that change has started with us, the pupils, with the support of staff members. 

We hope that the Cultural Discussion Group will continue to thrive and make change, as Kingswood.” 

- Elli, Year 12

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