Lawn Manor Academy recently commemorated Refugee Week with a special celebration that showcased the school’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the warm embrace of others. Throughout the week, the school highlighted its cultural richness and its dedication to welcoming individuals from various backgrounds.
The highlight of the week was the “Celebration of Welcomes” event, where students and their families gathered at the school to showcase the diverse cultural identities and nationalities that constitute Lawn Manor Academy. Attendees were captivated by a captivating program featuring music, dance, poetry, and presentations, accompanied by delectable snacks from around the world. The event was a collaborative effort between the staff and families, many of whom donned traditional attire to add to the festivities.
The event also featured the premier of films created by Year 10 students, exploring the theme of cultural identity and the factors that shape who we are. Additionally, a school-wide art and poetry competition centered around compassion was also held, with Annaly from Year 8 securing first place. Ayesha from Year 8 claimed second place, while joint third place was awarded to Phoebe from Year 10 and Assal from Year 8.
Reflecting on the event, Will Smith, Head of PSHE at Lawn Manor Academy, expressed his delight, stating, “It was a great evening and incredible to see the wealth of cultures and nationalities we have at the school. Bringing everyone together as one school community and celebrating what makes us unique demonstrates the richness of Lawn Manor Academy and our inclusive approach to everything we do.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity, Lawn Manor Academy is currently in the process of applying to become an official School of Sanctuary. Joining forces with over 400 primary and secondary schools, nurseries, and sixth forms across the UK, the school aims to exemplify its dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for refugees and individuals seeking asylum.
Ensuring that everyone feels welcome is at the core of Lawn Manor Academy’s values. The school boasts a team of 58 Welcome Ambassadors, who play a vital role in helping new students acclimate to school life. These ambassadors, hailing from various years and backgrounds, are paired with newcomers, providing them with tours, guidance, and support to facilitate their smooth transition into the school community.
“Our aim is to create a safe space for new pupils, as joining a new school on your own can be very daunting, even more so if you’re new to the area or even the country,” explained Will. “The Welcome Ambassadors span every year and have such a variety of backgrounds and interests that we can match them with new pupils, which has such a beneficial impact to how they settle in and feel safe and welcome at school.”
Lawn Manor Academy, affiliated with the Ascend Learning Trust, remains committed to fostering a culture of welcome and inclusivity. For more information about the academy, please visit www.lawnmanor.org.
