Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at George Dixon Academy

At George Dixon Academy, our curriculum aim of achieving social justice underpins everything we do. We are committed to building a community where every pupil feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. 

We are determined, we respect each other, we encourage one another, we accept the new, we all matter.

Our school vision DREAM shapes our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion:

Determined: we strive for success for every learner.

Respect: we value all identities and perspectives.

Encourage: we lift each other up to achieve more together.

Accept: we embrace difference and change as strengths.

Matter: every individual counts and belongs.

These sit alongside our values of being grounded, determined and sincere. Together, they form the foundation of our commitment to equality and respect.

George Dixon Academy is proud to serve one of the UK’s most diverse cities. Our pupils reflect a rich mix of heritages, languages and traditions that contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Birmingham. Among our largest pupil groups are those of Pakistani, African, Somali, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Caribbean heritage, and more than sixty languages are spoken across our community. The most common of these include English, Urdu, Somali, Arabic, Panjabi, Romanian and Kurdish. This diversity is both our greatest strength and our shared responsibility. We see it as our role to ensure that pupils not only celebrate difference but also learn to build mutual respect and understanding, preparing them to thrive in a just and inclusive society.

Schools have a responsibility not only to comply with the Equality Act 2010 but also to go further by actively advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations across all groups. Pupils are expected to learn about and respect the protected characteristics so that they can contribute positively to a diverse society. They should also develop the ability to discuss and debate issues respectfully, appreciate difference, and celebrate the values we share in common. High-quality personal development helps pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who understand their role in a democratic and inclusive society.

At George Dixon Academy, RSHE and PSHE are central to our commitment to equality and inclusion. In line with the statutory guidance updated in July 2025, LGBT+ representation is integrated throughout the curriculum rather than addressed in one-off lessons. Lessons are underpinned by the Jigsaw Charter, which establishes ground rules for appropriate communication and respect in the classroom.

Within the PSHE programme, specific units provide further opportunities to explore the protected characteristics. The ‘Celebrating Difference’ unit focuses on similarities and differences, teaching about diversity through topics such as disability, racism, gender, family composition, friendships, and conflict. The ‘Relationships’ unit builds pupils’ understanding of diverse families, friendships, equality in relationships, and love and loss. Together, these units deliver vital messages about fairness and respect that echo the principles of the Equality Act. Pupils are also taught about respect for those who are LGBT+ or gender-questioning in a way that is age-appropriate, sensitive, and rooted in safeguarding.

Equalities at George Dixon Academy are not an “add-on” but are woven into our curriculum, our policies, and our culture. Guided by our vision of DREAM and our values of being grounded, determined and sincere, we are committed to achieving social justice for every pupil. Through our equality objectives and daily practice, we prepare pupils to thrive in a just, inclusive society where respect and social justice are at the heart of all we do.

 

Our Equality Objectives

These objectives set out how we will embed equality, celebrate diversity, and ensure fairness across our school community, while equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills, and character to contribute to a just and cohesive society.

Embedding Equality through Social Justice in Strategy and Practice
To ensure our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is central to the Academy’s strategic planning, daily operations, curriculum design, and self-review processes.

Reducing Gaps in Outcomes and Opportunities
To identify and address inequalities in attainment, progress, attendance, use of behaviour system, and access to enrichment for all pupil groups; so that all achieve their full potential.

Building a Culture of Respect and Belonging
To promote a school culture rooted in social justice where diversity is celebrated, mutual respect is embedded, and discrimination, prejudice or derogatory language (e.g. racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist) is actively and confidently challenged by staff and pupils alike.

Inclusive Curriculum and Representation
To ensure that the curriculum and wider school life reflect and celebrate the diverse heritage, cultures, identities and perspectives of our community, so that every student feels seen, valued and empowered.

Fostering Stronger Community Cohesion
To strengthen community cohesion and civic responsibility by creating opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and celebration between different student groups, families, and the wider Birmingham community, equipping pupils to become advocates for social justice in society.