We have achieved the Equaliteach’s Gold Award for our work on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We had the opportunity to celebrate this amazing achievement with an afternoon of inspiring keynote speeches delivered by Lesley from Generation2Generation, children’s author Effie, Kate from Equaliteach, alumni Aaron as well as a performance from our Resident Poet.
This Award designed by EqualiTeach provides support and guidance for schools to effectively promote EDI. The award has been designed by a team of equality and education experts, for schools to showcase their full commitment to EDI.
In the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd in the USA, a full staff virtual meeting was called to discuss concerns and how improvements can be made to support the staff and learners at LDE and to bring change where necessary. As a result, Sabrin who leads on Humanities and Gill who is the Apprentice Business Lead in addition to their roles lead on EDI at LDE on a permanent job share role.
With huge and continuous support from the learners, staff and parents we have achieved the award. LDE have worked hard to make our college a community of inclusion where diversity is celebrated in the curriculum and in wider college activities.
A focus on EDI is now widespread across the college. We have an EDI society, where learners lead in organising and educating the LDE community on different cultural celebrations and significant events such as Lunar New Year, Black History Month, pride month, and various religious celebrations and international Women and Girls in STEAM.
We have also invited many leading creatives and industry professionals from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to visit our college to deliver masterclasses and employer led projects; role models from the wider community who inspire our learners to aspire and aim high.
A focus on EDI is also prioritised in the classroom, as teachers work hard creatively striving to address important topics related to EDI within our curriculum.
We have held several full staff trainings from Equaliteach as a part of the continued CPD holding training sessions to ensure our staff feel confident to foster an inclusive environment.
The positive impact of these actions can be seen in the togetherness of our college; however, it is an immense privilege to have Equaliteach recognise and award the unified effort of our learners and staff.
When reflecting on this achievement, EDI lead Sabrin shares, ‘It has been a fantastic EDI journey here at LDE. From our very humble beginnings looking at policies, aims and mission statement. I never imagined we would already be talking about Gold award within 18 months. The parts I have enjoyed the most are working with the learners and celebrating with them. It is worth the time, effort and organisation, to see the joy on everyone's faces. From working with the Newham Chinese Association on the Lunar New Year, Channel 4's Hunted Team, Kingsley from Mclaren, creating Eid parcels, Christmas bake sales, listening to Holocaust survivor's stories and much more! The Gold Award was not easy to achieve. With over 100 indicators that required evidence, it was a huge project to undertake. I would like to thank each and every member of staff for their support. The leadership team for making this happen and recognising that EDI is important in allowing learners and staff to feel safe, flourish and reach their potential, and making LDE feel like a family. A huge thanks to our learners who have given up afternoons, evenings, and weekends to help with our events. For being such amazing young allies, and for being active, productive, young members of society.’
