5 day challenge - Listen, Act, Change
Creating an inclusive and respectful school environment is not only a goal but a shared responsibility. At ESA, we are proud to have launched a new initiative that brings together staff and students to address issues of equality and microaggressions in our school community and wider society. With the help of Race Equality Matters, we are working together to create a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. During the first week of term all staff in school came together for 5 minutes each day to reflect and consider changes that can be made to support an inclusive and fair work environment.
What Are Microaggressions, and Why Do They Matter?
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that carry bias or derogatory implications. While they may not always be openly hostile, these words or gestures can have a lasting impact, especially when they reinforce stereotypes or marginalise individuals based on their race, gender, sexuality, ability, or other aspects of their identity.
For example:
Saying to a student of colour, “You’re really well-spoken.”
Asking someone “where are you really from?”
Using phrases that subtly imply someone is an “outsider” based on their accent or cultural background.
Microaggressions can accumulate and make individuals feel isolated, misunderstood, or unfairly judged. Recognizing and addressing these moments is an important step toward creating a truly inclusive school culture and was the first step in a week of reflection and education.
The Power of Teamwork: Staff and Student Partnership
Our initiative started with staff across the school in all departments and was later delivered to all students. The 5 days culminated in a ‘Big Promise’ at the end of the week in which all staff and students pledged to continue into the new academic year with a renewed commitment to equality for all. Together, we are tackling the root of these issues by focusing on awareness, understanding, and positive action.
Our 5 day challenge covered the following topics:
Microaggressions - what are they and how we should deal with them when we hear/see them?
Different Cultures - Embracing texts from a range of cultures. Almost 90% of staff said they have been inspired to explore texts from a variety of cultures and perspectives as a result of this session.
Public Praise - Ensuring all members of our school community are included and praised.
A Culture of Belonging - The importance of a welcoming school culture for all.
Big Promise - some of the pledges that were made by students included:
“I promise to listen and learn from others”
“I promise to always be kind and help people when I know that they are sad or upset. I also promise to stand up for anyone being bullied or facing unkindness”
“To challenge racial stereotypes and stand up for people who feel disrespected and unsafe in environments where they feel judged.”
Our Shared Goals
This initiative is more than just a series of activities; it’s a commitment to creating lasting change. By actively addressing inequality, we’re working toward several shared goals:
Increased Awareness and Sensitivity: Through education, we hope to raise awareness about the different forms of microaggressions and equip everyone with the knowledge to respond thoughtfully and respectfully. 75% of staff said they now have an improved understanding of microaggressions and how to deal with them.
Empathy and Respect: We aim to foster a school culture where empathy and mutual respect are paramount. By understanding each other’s perspectives, we’re building a community that values diversity and inclusivity.
Personal Accountability and Growth: We encourage everyone to take personal responsibility for their words and actions. By reflecting on our own biases and assumptions, we can grow into more thoughtful and considerate individuals. When things do go wrong we will utilise our Restorative Practice systems to support those impacted.
Moving Forward
Building a culture of equality and understanding takes time, but we are committed to this journey. Our staff and student partnership is laying the foundation for meaningful change, ensuring that ESA remains a safe, inclusive, and supportive place for everyone.
Thank you for supporting this vital mission, and let’s continue to make strides towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
