Written by Samantha Horwood, Year 6 Leader and Class Teacher, Lead Practitioner CPD and Training, British School Muscat, Oman

BSM is proud of the work that we have achieved to better understand and increase awareness of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging. It has made significant and measured steps to address the complex and challenging areas of DEIJB. As a school, understanding the delicate nature of bespoke and tailored training, curriculum reviews and adaptation, while supporting the voices of all involved has been key. Student voice and empowerment has been a huge focus; to support this, training for all staff was required.

Professional development at BSM has been rolled out to all by our inhouse Lead Practitioner; supporting our community to understand how curriculums and resources reflect and include our diverse community. In addition to this, an outline of BSM’s ‘Why?’ and also importantly, the challenges that an international school in the Middle East faces regarding legalities and cultural sensitivities was shared. Highlighting DEIJB as a priority for BSM as a safeguarding, pastoral and curriculum focus is imperative. It is essential that this is constantly revisited to ensure that DEIJB remains a focus and point for development. CPD included: Racial Literacy; understanding terminology, Gender Equality; understanding the impact of gender discrimination, Building a Culture of Belonging; what does the individual’s role play in school culture?

A key student project has been the BSM Speak Up Project which trained senior student leaders to deliver specifically designed presentations to their peers across the school. The project was put together and rolled out over several months with student’s contribution and led by the DEIJB Lead Practitioner, Esther Mustamu-Daniels. Key students dedicated their own time to be trained and collaboratively contribute to the programme that they would deliver. The programme has started successfully and will continue over the coming years with phase 2 starting in the Autumn Term 2024.

I want people to understand the difference between banter and bullying and encourage students to talk and speak up if they see or hear something that they know is wrong - Zainab Year 7 Student 

Find out more about COBIS Training Schools