Cultural Diversity at Holy Trinity

Curriculum Intent (School Vision)

Our school community is becoming increasingly diverse and we are proud to have pupils with heritages from around the world and across the UK. At Holy Trinity we value the importance of cultural diversity and it is our vision, that by embedding cultural diversity firmly throughout the curriculum, pupils will be better informed, more compassionate and better prepared to effect positive change in the world. Pupils will be able to develop the skills to appreciate, understand and celebrate the similarities and differences in each of us. By the time our pupils leave our school, they will be equipped with the perspectives and skills necessary to thrive in a multicultural and increasingly connected world.

What is Cultural Diversity?

Culture is a lot more than a list of holidays or food preferences or the language we speak. Culture is what shapes us; it shapes our identity and influences our behaviour.  Culture is the framework around which we build our identity. It influences how we engage with the world, the perspectives we take and the expectations we have. Culture is our “way of being,” more specifically, it refers to the shared language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviours, and material objects that are passed down from one generation to the next. Every one of us has a culture and most of us have identities built from multiple cultures.

 Why is it Important?

Diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn from one another, but first, we must have a level of understanding about each other. Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live. It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups.

In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognise and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own. So that, as we interact with others, we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures. Furthermore, this diversity makes our country a more interesting place to live in. As people from diverse cultures contribute language skills, new ways of thinking, new knowledge and different experiences.

Curriculum Implementation

At Holy Trinity, cultural diversity is woven throughout the curriculum. Children will encounter and learn about other cultures in a range of different ways and subjects. For example, visiting a Gurdwara when learning about other faiths in RE or learning to play the djembe drums in Music. We promote cultural diversity in the famous figures we learn about, the role models we choose and the resources and books we use. We aim to represent the children in our school in their learning to make it relevant to them. Children also learn about cultural diversity through discussions with the class teacher or at a whole school level during Worship. Children learn about special times in other cultures by following the cultural diversity calendar.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the cultural diversity curriculum is evaluated through discussions with children, staff, parent surveys and observation of the children's behaviour. 

"All our children need to see themselves in the books they read, and see into the lives of others to help them understand the world - and their place in it."

Please use the link below to find some suitable book lists for children. However, please note that we have not been able to check the suitability of every individual book, so please check that they are suitable for your child.