Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity & inclusion is at the heart of our work. We are committed to developing our school and community to ensure that it is a welcoming and safe place for all. As part of ESF, we are devoted to upholding the values outlined in the ESF diversity statement below. 

We believe that the aim of diversity, equity and inclusion is to ensure all children and family members feel that they belong and all children have the space to create and develop their own identities.

In conjunction with staff, children and families we have created 2 key statements showcasing our commitment to supporting and developing identity and belonging. 

Identity and Belonging at Glenealy School

Identity
The identity of every member of our community is important at Glenealy School.

Every child at Glenealy School is valued and respected. As a team, we recognise the importance of children creating and developing their self concepts, feelings of self worth and their place as part of a local and global community. Through our Units of Inquiry, children explore ‘Who We Are’ over the course of each year, giving an opportunity for inquiry related to interactions, identity, the human body and making connections to the UN Global Goals (including The Convention on the Rights of the Child). We encourage children to share, and teach others about their own identities and learn about the experiences of others around the world. We value highlighting character strengths and being proud of who we are. 

Belonging
A key motivation at Glenealy School is to cultivate a sense of belonging among all members of our community. Through our curriculum, our social experiences and our community events, we facilitate open engagement with shared human values and experiences. We believe that children should see, hear, read and experience representations of themselves, their families and of humans outside of their own lives. We use teaching resources that reflect the diversity of our world. Focussing on being open minded learners and caring individuals, we seek to give every member of our community opportunities to see life from others’ perspectives and in the process ensure everyone feels that they belong at Glenealy School. 

 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Statement 

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the centre of who we are at ESF.

We are a community of over 18,000 students and staff from more than 70 nationalities and cultures, with a history stretching back over 50 years. We recognise the importance of creating an environment where everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect, and appreciated for who they are.

This is integral to our vision, mission and values as a leading international school organisation, committed to developing and inspiring every student to be the best that they can be.

Each school within ESF holds a shared vision to create a welcoming learning and working environment, including online, where everyone is valued and supported, so that each and every person in our community can thrive. We believe this is a key driver of our excellence and empowers our students and our staff to reach their fullest potential.

We are aware of our critical role in shaping the future generation of global citizens and are committed to constantly assessing and challenging our own diversity, equity and inclusion practices to ensure we are doing our very best for our students, staff, parents and the wider community.

_________________________________________________________________________

Our commitments:

  1. To provide students with an equal opportunity to access education and the support they require to enable them to flourish and truly be the best that they can be.
  2. To embrace diversity and celebrate the uniqueness of each student through our personalised learning approach in all ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
  3. To educate students and staff on the importance and impact of positive diversity, equity and inclusion policies, practices and behaviours through normalising speaking up, identifying learning opportunities, and holding regular training, awareness events and campaigns.
  4. To promote equitable practices in all of our operations and be fair in the way we deal with all aspects of recruitment and employment.
  5. Not to tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, including online, against any student or member of staff such as in relation to gender, pregnancy, breastfeeding, adoption, marital status, age, family status, belief, race, disability or sexuality.
  6. To constantly work on improving our focus and accountability in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion; to have personal responsibility and commitment to learning and growth in these areas; to provide regular training and professional development opportunities across all levels of the organisation; to be transparent about our efforts and our progress in reaching our goals; and to highlight and challenge our unconscious biases and be open to ideas for change and improvement.
Top