Diversity & Inclusion Champions
Students, staff and alumnae representatives joined our inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Steering Group meeting for an intelligent, purposeful discussion.
Following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the school community reflected on how we can play our part in tackling racial prejudice. In June, Mrs Bingham outlined some immediate, short-term actions, as well as the development of longer-term aims, to ensure diversity is a core part of the school’s strategic plan. One priority was to set up a steering group. This term, we followed up with Ms Sayed (Physics Teacher and Assistant Head of Year 7 to 9) to find out more about the group’s aims and objectives.
What motivated you to get involved in championing diversity and inclusion?
I joined the school in September 2019 and love the fact that South Hampstead encourages girls to speak out about what they believe in. I’m very proud to be leading a group of individuals – and part of a vibrant school community – who want to mobilise change within society. I grew up in Apartheid, so have experienced an environment of racial injustice in a very personal way; I’ve been inspired by stalwarts of the freedom struggle like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. I may not have major accomplishments like them, but I hope to be a small cog in a big wheel that enables even larger wheels to turn.
Who else is on the committee?
I’m thrilled to be joined by two alumnae, seven current Sixth Formers and a number of colleagues: Ms Aguila-Nwoko (Spanish Teacher), Mr Beecroft (Music Teacher), Ms Brass (Senior Deputy Head), Ms Gyapong (Head of ICT), Mr Keiler (English Teacher) and Ms McDougall (Head of History). Our Sixth Form representatives are Liana and Auhona on the Head Girl Team and Sonya, Estie, Tasneem, Melody and Anisa. Together, we bring our own experiences and lots of energy – our first meeting was brimming with ideas and a real sense of purpose.
How does the school celebrate diversity and inclusion?
Throughout its history, South Hampstead has welcomed pupils from diverse cultures and backgrounds… we aim to create a community that is warm, tolerant and kind.
There are a number of ways we address racial prejudice – from the history taught to the literature studied – and we have audited the curriculum in the broadest sense. Diversity and discrimination are addressed in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) for all ages and interrogated in our compulsory Global Issues modules in Year 9. We celebrate different cultures and identities through pupil-led societies and engage with black history and identity with activities beyond Black History Month.
Championing diversity and inclusion is also about the assemblies we deliver, the books in the library, the speakers we invite, the clubs we run, the plays we put on. We are committed to ensuring that South Hampstead is a place where mutual respect and diversity can flourish. Last term, we hosted two award-winning writers to speak to our pupils and staff about understanding racism and unconscious bias and we welcome a host of inspiring guests to our weekly Upper Sixth Speakers Series.
However, there is always more that we can do. Longer term, as we look towards our 150th anniversary in 2026, we have ambitious plans to increase our bursary provision, to become an even more diverse and inclusive school community.
What advice would you give pupils who are keen to get involved?
We’ve already conducted surveys to help inform our discussions, but we are keen to hear as many voices as possible and welcome all ideas. I’d encourage everyone to get in touch with a member of the diversity steering committee to share their thoughts and to get involved via school council – together, we have the potential to effect real change.