St Thomas More School recognised for Community Cohesion
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St Thomas More School recognised for Community Cohesion
Mrs. Grimley and Ms Topa were the proud recipients of the Cultural Diversity Quality Standard Gold Award at a recent ceremony in London. St Thomas More was one of 14 Specialist Schools and Academies which were recognised for their outstanding work in promoting community cohesion at the national ceremony.
The schools from across the country have all achieved the Cultural Diversity Quality Standard (CDQS) which was developed by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) to promote cultural diversity, race equality and opportunities for achievements for all students.
The celebration, organised by the SSAT, took place on 18 January 2010 in London at the offices of Deloitte, the professional services organisation, who sponsored the event.
In his keynote address, Ted Cantle, Chair of the Community Cohesion Institute said:
'Teachers can have an impact not just on their pupils' perceptions, but on those of the whole community .A role that government ministers are recognising as ever important. Teaching and learning has to reflect the ever changing world - the world is not just an Easy jet ride away, but has come to us and is in our communities. Getting children to have a broader, worldly view is essential so they can contextualize their issues and navigate themselves around the world.
The schools who have been successful in achieving the Cultural Diversity Quality Standard are beacons for other schools who have not embraced the community cohesion agenda as readily - they can inspire others and show them that it is possible to achieve fantastic things, whatever the challenges.'
Kirstie Andrew-Power, Head of Achievement, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, commented:
'The Cultural Diversity Quality Standard aims to share good practice so that schools may learn from each other. We are delighted to recognise the outstanding achievements of these award winners. The work which they do to promote equality is vitally important as we live increasingly in a global community.'
CDQS awards are made at three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, dependent on the school's work across six standards:
Ethos, Achievement, Curriculum, Parental and Community Involvement, Staffing and Governors, Specific Projects and Innovation.
St Thomas More is proud to have gained the Cultural Diversity Quality Standard Gold Award which reflects the tremendous work of all within the school.
F Topa
Deputy Head teacher