**Celebrating Diversity and Identity: The Significance of Black Heritage Month at Highgate Wood School**

Ms Coley writes:

Dear Highgate Wood School Parents/Carers,

As we venture into the heart of autumn, Highgate Wood School continues to uphold its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that a rich and diverse environment fosters a sense of belonging and identity among our students, which is why we wholeheartedly embrace occasions like Black Heritage Month. Our students recently engaged in enlightening assemblies that delved into the history and significance of Black Heritage Month, reinforcing our core values of consideration, cooperation, contribution, and courtesy.

In an effort to celebrate and educate, we have curated a Black Heritage Month Film Club dedicated to showcasing movies with predominantly Black characters or those featuring a Black lead. Representation matters, and this initiative not only resonates with our commitment to diversity but also reinforces the importance of seeing oneself in the stories we consume. Films like “Black Panther,” “Men In Black,” “Spiderman,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Sister Act 2” were chosen to captivate, entertain and inspire our students. These movies offer diverse narratives that foster understanding and unity, aligning with our core values and reinforcing the importance of celebrating differences.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we aim to underscore the significance of representation, belonging, and identity within our school community. These values are not confined to a single month but are interwoven into our educational fabric throughout the year. We want all our students to feel proud of their heritage and culture, fostering a sense of belonging and identity that will remain with them throughout their lives.

Highgate Wood School is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and equitable environment, and we’re excited to share that our commitment to diversity doesn’t end here. In the coming months, we will be commemorating other important events, including Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Islamophobia Awareness Month, ensuring that our students are continually exposed to a diverse array of perspectives and experiences. We encourage you to join us in celebrating these moments of unity, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s backgrounds and identities.

We are excited to continue this journey of inclusivity, and we’re grateful for your support and partnership as we work together to provide an enriching educational experience for our students.

Warm regards,

Caryn Coley
EDI Projects and Achievements Lead

Photos from our BHM events: