This week, Assistant Head – Data and Operational Management, Mrs Hooley, guest writes on the Headmistress’s blog about her recent assembly, which explored themes of belonging, othering and embracing diversity.

This past week has been Anti-Bullying Week and students had an assembly which delved into the crucial themes of belonging, the repercussions of othering, and the profound impact of embracing diversity within our school community.

As we celebrate Anti-Bullying Week, the odd socks which were worn by many students on Monday, serve as a poignant symbol of our commitment to recognising and appreciating individuality.

Belonging is at the core of our existence, encompassing feelings of acceptance, respect, inclusion, connection, and personal recognition. Within our school, a sense of belonging translates into acceptance for individual choices, inclusion in all activities, and a deep connection to both peers and the environment. Reflecting on our evolutionary history, the need for belonging is deeply rooted. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors thrived on collaboration for survival. Recent business research underscores the positive impact of a strong sense of belonging, correlating with increased job performance, decreased turnover, and fewer sick days. In addition, it has been found that a sense of belonging also contributes to a person’s sense of identity, value and is fundamental to them pursuing a positive role in society.

Othering, a concept we must confront, arises when individuals or groups are labelled as not conforming to social norms. It influences how we perceive and treat those within our perceived ‘in group’ versus the ‘out group,’ potentially leading to dehumanisation. This subtle yet pervasive phenomenon can manifest in various ways, from attributing positive qualities to those similar to us and negative qualities to those different, to avoiding interactions with individuals outside our social group. Out-grouping based on protected characteristics, such as age, ability, neurodiversity, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, poses a significant threat to a feeling of belonging. Our goal as a school community is to ensure everyone feels accepted, connected, and included.

To foster belonging, we must focus on individuals, challenge hidden biases, recognise multi-dimensional identities, broaden our social circles, and speak up against biased behaviour within our groups. Diversity, beyond its intrinsic value, holds numerous benefits. It sparks creativity, enhances decision-making, encourages learning, and improves overall performance. Our society, community, and school thrive when enriched by a diverse tapestry of experiences and perspectives. Diversity extends beyond academics, influencing our food, arts, fashion, and sports. Imagine a world with only one type of food, one style of music, and dress – a monotonous existence indeed!

Wearing odd socks, or embracing whatever makes one unique, becomes a powerful statement against bullying and out-grouping. It is vital that continually encourage our students to collectively strive to build belonging, ensuring everyone is a valued member of our school community.