Gresham’s second annual Diversity Day, organised by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, was celebrated in even more style this year, with pupils showcasing aspects of their identities of which they are proud of. Organised to coincide with Pride month, pupils were invited to showcase something about themselves by ‘dressing to express’. Outfits ranged from national dress – German, Dutch, Indian and German, Native Canadian, American and Thai –  to LGBT+ colours, favourite band t-shirts, favourite hobbies, including sports, cooking and crafts, music genres, through to dressing as your favourite animal. Slogans were used to educate too: notably, a t-shirt emblazoned ‘Autism: seeing the world through a different angle’.

The celebrations continued into breaktime with a tea party of colourful cakes and drinks. Pupils came along and discussed their outfits and explained the meaning behind their clothes and why this aspect of themselves was one they wanted to express today. Then at lunchtime, we were all treated to a fantastic jazz concert in the CFB, orchestrated by Benny and Timo and their talented band, designed to showcase a diverse range of music from around the world.

In the morning, we also had a fantastic Chapel talk by Mr O’Donnell, who shared insights from his American heritage. His talk marked the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary Wars and offered an engaging and educational perspective on this significant moment in history.