Equality & Diversity

What is Equality?

All equal all different

Equality is often described as treating everyone the same. However, sometimes treating people differently is the best way to treat everyone equally.  For example imagine trying to sit a test, and the exam paper is in a language you don’t understand. How well do you think you would do at the test? In order for you to have an equal chance to pass the test, you would need the test paper in a language you understand.

So what is Diversity?

Variety is the spice of life.

Diversity is about recognising, valuing and taking account of people’s different backgrounds, skills, and experiences. Diversity is important because it allows everyone’s skill and contribution to be used and valued. The experiences and skills of different people makes a real difference to the effectiveness of our Academy and its impact on students, staff and our community as a whole.

Equality and Diversity Protects Everyone

One of the myths is that Equality and Diversity is about one group of people getting ‘special’ treatment at the expense of someone else. However it’s about everyone getting a fair chance to achieve their full potential. It means treating everyone equally on their merits, and not treating some unfairly because of their difference. Here at Ormiston Rivers we celebrate everyones differences, unique as we all are!

Pride Q&A

Our Pride group and events are geared toward anyone who feels like their sexual identity falls outside the mainstream — although many straight people join in too.

LGBT is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The term sometimes is extended to LGBTQ, or even LGBTQIA, to include queer, intersex and asexual groups. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people; intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences; and asexual describes those who don’t experience sexual attraction.

These terms may also include gender fluid people, or those whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation.

Anyone! Pride welcome allies from outside the LGBT community. We celebrate and champion the course of equality making opportunities to show support, to observe, listen and be educated.

In 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker was commissioned by San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk — one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US — to make a flag for the city’s upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, gave a nod to the stripes of the American flag but drew inspiration from the rainbow to reflect the many groups within the gay community.

A subset of flags represent other sexualities on the spectrum, such as bisexual, pansexual and asexual.

In our school students and teachers wear the rainbow ribbon to show support. You can buy one from the Wellbeing Room.

It’s us! A group of people who are tackling bullying, prejudice and discrimination.

We meet on Tuesday break times in L14, come along.

​Equality today Q&A

Equality Today is a student-led working party, which promotes equality for all. Students are encouraged to stand up in the face of discrimination, by thinking critically about key concerns and experiences and being solution focused in finding ways to overcome inequality in today’s society, starting with projects within our school.

Each year group has a Teacher Lead and dedicated Student Council lead, and holds bi-weekly meetings during lunchtime, to bring student ideas to life. Students with a particular interest in or passion for promoting equality and diversity can join the working group. But even if you’re not 100% sure and might be interested, please come along and see how you can support the cause.

  • Year 7 – Miss Murphy – Thursday Week A – Lunchtime – D05
  • Year 8 – Mr Damps – Thursday Week A – Lunchtime – English Open Area
  • Year 9 – Miss Murphy – Monday Week B – Lunchtime – D&T Room
  • Year 10 – Mr Damps – Wednesday Week A – Lunchtime – MFL Open Area
  • Year 11 – Mrs Crump – Tuesday Week B –  Lunchtime 13:45 – IT01 
  • Sixth Form – Mrs Crump – Thursday Week B – Lunchtime 13:15 – 6D

Key topics which students will focus on include: LGBTQ+ rights, Gender, Disabilities, Culture and Ethnicity and Race

Express your interest by emailing your year group’s Teacher Lead, or pop into your year group’s Equality Today bi-weekly meeting (see below), new members are always welcome:

  • Year 7 – Miss Murphy – Thursday Week A – Lunchtime – D05
  • Year 8 – Mr Damps – Thursday Week A – Lunchtime – English Open Area
  • Year 9 – Miss Murphy – Monday Week B – Lunchtime – D&T Room
  • Year 10 – Mr Damps – Wednesday Week A – Lunchtime – MFL Open Area
  • Year 11 – Mrs Crump – Tuesday Week B –  Lunchtime 13:45 – IT01 
  • Sixth Form – Mrs Crump – Thursday Week B – Lunchtime 13:15 – 6D

Teacher Lead Email Addresses:

Get Up Stand Up Q&A

Get Up Stand Up is a social action club that aims to promote awareness of issues within our community. Students are able to choose their own charities and social issues that they want to focus on. Students learn to be leaders within their school community by planning events and promoting equality for all. 

Pre/Post Covid restrictions: Anyone! Everyone is welcome to join Get Up Stand Up – we aim to be inclusive so that everyone feels able to make a change. 

Currently: Yr 10 Students are welcome to join, you do not need any prior knowledge or skills –  we aim to be inclusive so that everyone feels able to make a change

Speak to Ms Blatch or simply come along to our meetings which take place during Friday lunchtimes in the Yr 10 Bubble. 

​See you around school!
Pride Group : )