The inaugural meeting of the Charterhouse Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group took place on Tuesday 8 December
The Group’s membership is drawn from Old Carthusians, pupils, staff and the Governing Body with a remit to oversee implementation of the School’s Inclusion strategy. At the first meeting of the Steering Group we reviewed the impact of actions taken this Quarter and confirmed the six key areas of School life that will underpin the strategy.
Since September, the creation of Unity Society has empowered pupils to share their experiences with staff and pupils in assemblies and increased the diversity of our visiting speakers. The addition of inclusion to departmental planning has begun to lead to a more diverse curriculum and physical environment, including the Art department’s project celebrating influential people within sport, music and politics and illustrations of successful entrepreneurs in the Business and Enterprise Hub.
Over the coming months, pupils and staff will use data from this Quarter’s School-wide surveys and focus groups to create charters to promote inclusion and further develop our action plan. Our training programme includes January staff Inset on recognising and addressing exclusive behaviour. Students will be examining issues around inclusion via discussion groups involving Old Carthusians next Quarter and an enhanced induction programme is planned for September. Read more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Charterhouse here.
Our three Old Carthusians on the committee are able to draw upon both their experience of being pupils here and also their knowledge of contemporary practices in a range of professions and industries. In addition, Kwaku Awuku-Asabre has joined as a Governor and so provides a beneficial link to our Governing Body. After two Quarters, OC membership will change; Nana-Ama Asabre-Adegbite and Chantal Cox-George will be followed by other volunteers who have been in touch: Mickey Down, Lowry Jonathan, Charlotte Bell and Antonia Church.
- Nana-Ama Asabre-Adegbite, OC, believes that actively anti-racist and inclusive behaviour must be taught and prioritised. This Steering Group is therefore of incredible importance to her as she hopes it will finally give her the opportunity to use her learnings, skills and experience gathered so far to affect change that really matters.
Our current pupils, Demi, Joshua, Ore and Sabah bring their experience of their time at Charterhouse and other schools, as well as being a voice for other pupils.
- Sabah, Deputy Head Girl and Chair of the student-led Inclusivity Committee, said her motivation for joining the Steering Group is founded in her desire to propel inclusivity forward within the School.
- Head Boy, Demi, is co-founder of the student-led Unity Society which is a forum for pupils of all backgrounds and seeks to ensure harmony across the pupil community.
Staff members are Andrew Turner, Senior Deputy Head, who has worked at Charterhouse for 20 years and Louise Wilson, Deputy Head (Pupils and Community), who returned to the School in September, having worked here 13 years ago.
Read more about the Group members here.
We welcome all suggestions to improve equality, inclusion and diversity at the School. For further information or to offer input, please email Louise Wilson.
