Diversity Days 2023

On 21st November, 23 students joined us at HMS President. This experience provided the opportunity for students to meet the Navy Officers and explore the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the country.​

The students gained skills in teamwork and leadership through completing a series of practical tasks and navigating challenges where confidence and communication were key.

Navy Officers facilitated a Q&A session in which they shared their personal journeys into the Royal Navy, explained the diverse roles available as well as the opportunities for further learning and qualifications within the Royal Navy.

We would like to thank the Royal Navy for inviting us and sharing their experiences and invaluable skills with the students.

Student feedback:​
“It is extremely important to work together, regardless of differences. You have to show
confidence and volunteer yourself to do tasks.”
“Whatever race, gender, appearance, you can join the Navy.”
“it inspired me to appreciate what they’re doing.”

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On 1st November, we were delighted to be invited to St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, with 23 students from Caterham High School, Azhar Academy and The Forest Academy. We attended a thought-provoking session on university and future choices, where a few preconceived ideas were debunked, and met with COSARAF Scholars who shared their experience of studying at St Anne’s and answered student questions.  We spent time exploring the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, where students had an opportunity to practise their research and presentation skills, skills that will come in handy at University!

Student feedback:
“It challenged what I thought because my idea of university was very closed-minded, thinking that only certain people could apply”
“It definitely challenged and changed the stereotype I had of Oxford University. It made it seem attainable and less out of reach”
 
Thank you so much to the staff and students at St Anne’s who gave up their time to organise and host our day and to The COSARAF Charitable Foundation who generously sponsored our visit.

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On 10th October, 24, Year 9 students joined us at Kensington Palace.

The BMT team opened the pupils’ minds with their ‘Proud To Be’ session which encouraged the students to think about their unique identities using poetry, and The Palaces artwork demonstrating the history of London’s diverse population.

Students then explored the Palace through the Crown to Couture Fashion Exhibition, followed by a careers speed networking session where young people heard from staff at Kensington Palace about the number of different roles available at Historic Royal Palaces.

“This trip showed that despite being one country, there are many cultures.”                    Year 9 student

We would like to thank Historic Royal Palaces and the staff at Kensington Palace for hosting the day, as well as BMT for their rousing workshop.  We would also like to thank Islamic Relief for their sponsorship and ongoing support in bringing inspiring days to young people in London.

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On 9th May, we invited 25, year 8 students to attend a diversity day at the Migration Museum.

The day started with Naz Legacy Foundation Chair, Bushra Nasir, sharing her inspiring migration story. The young people enjoyed group sessions based on their personal and family migration stories and we had the chance to explore the Taking Care of Business immersive exhibition which shines a light on the central role that migrant entrepreneurs have played in shaping our lives – and Britain.

We would like to thank the Migration Museum for facilitating our day. The Young People had a great day and learnt so much.

“It was a really inspiring day and showed me that being different is not a negative”    quote from pupil aged 13.

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On 7th March, 25 students from Loxford School joined us at HMS President, the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the UK.

The young people toured HMS President and enjoyed practical activities to draw on their leadership, teamwork and persuasion skills.

Staff shared their personal journeys in the Royal Navy and spoke about the diverse roles available and life in service.

We would like to thank the Royal Navy for arranging such an engaging day and inspiring our young people.

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On 23rd February, we were delighted to have the unique opportunity to take a group of young people to 10 Downing Street and the Conservative Campaign Headquarters. 20 students joined us to learn more about democracy, government and civic participation. Our day started at 10 Downing Street, where we were hosted by Myles Stacey OBE, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister. We learnt about the historic building, viewed rooms that have hosted heads of state and official dignitaries and saw first-hand what a busy working building it is. We then visited the Conservative Campaign Headquarters, hosted by Mo Ali, Vice-Chair for Faith. Mo talked about his journey into politics and spent time answering the young people’s questions about his experiences and politics in general. We hope this unforgettable day inspired the young people to realise the impact they can have and to get more involved in their communities.

Thank you to Myles Stacey, Mo Ali and the staff at 10 Downing Street and the Conservative Campaign Headquarters and to our sponsors for making the day happen.

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On 25th January, 60 girls from schools across London attended a Diversity Day, in association with the FA, at the home of football, Wembley.

Our day started with a career in sport carousel.  Nine young female leaders spoke to each of the schools about their personal journeys, allowing them to learn about the FA and gain an understanding of what it takes to develop a career in sport.

We then enjoyed a tour of Wembley Stadium viewing the press room, trophies, changing rooms and the iconic pitch, with plenty of photo opportunities!

Finally, we were honoured to end the day with a Q&A with Lioness and Arsenal legend Rachel Yankey.

A massive thanks to The Football Association for their work and generosity in hosting us, and to the young leaders and Rachel Yankey for giving up their time to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue a career in sports.

“I would like to say a massive thank you for the day; it was an amazing and inspirational day for myself and the pupils. On the way home, it was great to hear the girls talking about how they didn’t realise how many other jobs there were in sports and how intrigued they were to find out more. A lot of the girls have never been outside of their area either, so coming to a stadium like Wembley was incredible for them – thank you again!” – quote from a school staff member.

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On 18th January 23 students joined us at ITN, the independent production company who have been in the business for over 67 years.

The young people toured Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 news studios and were delighted when Tom Bradby and Mary Nightingale took time out of their busy days to speak to them.

The young people spoke to a variety of ITN staff and learned about the various job roles available and the routes staff had taken to get to their positions.

I think the workshop was awesome and definitely made me consider media as a career path
Quote from one of the attendees, age 14.

We would like to thank ITN for inviting us and for being so generous with their time at this enriching visit.

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