Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Reading Blue Coat we want every student to have a sense of belonging within the community and feel comfortable being themselves. We aim to celebrate our individuality and raise awareness and understanding of what makes us unique.
Inclusion groups
The school has various Inclusion Groups to give students the chance to celebrate aspects of their identity, meet with like minded people and lead impactful change within the school. Members of our Inclusion Groups lead assemblies, organise events and regularly meet with leadership to feedback on issues important to them.
Café Neuro
The group is student led to support and discuss matters of a neurodiverse nature. It extends to wellbeing and learning issues, aiming to provide a friendly setting in which to explore unique talents and challenges both at school and life beyond. Neurodiversity is not a requirement to attend although most have a personal interest.
Inter-Faith Group
Our Inter-faith group meet weekly at chaplaincy, where students from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds come together to promote mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration. The group serve as a platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their beliefs, practices, and traditions, fostering a sense of community and empathy among people from different faiths.
Mandela Society
The Mandela Society discuss issues related to racial and cultural equality. It is the group’s goal to help educate and heighten awareness on issues of race, religion, and culture at RBC, but predominantly through a lens of celebration.
Pride Society
The Pride Society meets weekly and offers a safe space and support for all LGBTQ+ students and their allies.
SAFE Society
SAFE stands for ‘Striving Altogether For Equality’. The group discusses issues related to gender equality and work with the School to suggest and organise initiatives that promote gender equality.
Events
Throughout the year we have a programme of events and celebrations. The annual Equality and Inclusion Day provides students with the opportunity to hear from high profile speakers on the topics of equality and inclusion as well as a series of co-curricular activities around the theme for the year. Past speakers have included Laura Bates, founder of Everyday Sexism, and Floyd Steadman, the first black captain of a Premiership rugby club. The Cultural Food Fayre is a popular event with our students as is our Holi Festival. In addition to our regular events, we have ad hoc celebrations linked to awareness weeks and days, such as Black History Month, Pride Month and International Women’s Day.
In the curriculum
Equality, diversity and inclusion is also woven into the school’s curriculum. Academic Departments regularly review their curriculum to ensure a breadth of voices are represented within their subjects. The PSHE curriculum covers topics such as celebrating differences, world issues, rights and responsibilities, and proud to be me, through years 7 to 13. Students will also attend talks and take part in workshops throughout their time at RBC, previous topics have included Healthy Masculinity and Anti-Racism.