Diversity Days 2024
On 10th December, 40 students from Azhar Academy, Caterham High School, Lantern of Knowledge and Highams Park School joined us for an insightful day at Amazon HQ, one of the world’s leading tech and retail companies.
The day started off with an engaging icebreaker that students enjoyed taking part in. This was followed by students having the exclusive chance to hear from various speakers regarding their journey into the company. The team shared the ways Amazon supports its employees and celebrates inclusivity in the workplace. Students gained invaluable insight into the diverse pathways to join Amazon and the application process, including tips and deadlines.
Next, students had the chance to network with professionals and get firsthand information about the skills required for Amazon roles, further highlighting diversity in the workplace. The day concluded with an activity to brainstorm their future goals, guided by the speakers and their suggestions on how to tackle them in order to be able to reach them.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team at Amazon for facilitating such an inspiring day. We are committed to empowering young people to aim higher and explore their potential.
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We are delighted to share highlights of our Diversity Day at the prestigious St Anne’s College, Oxford University. Twenty-four students from Jamiatul Ummah Islamic School, Alec Reed Academy, and Ernest Bevin Academy joined us for an enriching day designed to inspire and educate about higher education opportunities.
The day began with a comprehensive presentation introducing students to higher education, covering key topics such as finances, subject requirements, and student accommodation. This was followed by an engaging Q&A panel with current St Anne’s students and recipients of the COSARAF scholarship, who provided invaluable insights into their academic journeys and life at the university.
Next, students explored the breathtaking St Anne’s campus during a guided tour, which left them enamoured. After lunch, participants attended a Student Life Carousel, where current students shared their experiences, touching on university societies, extracurricular opportunities, and life beyond academics.
The day concluded with a captivating taster session on Greek Mythology, offering students a glimpse into the lecture experience at one of the world’s leading universities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Outreach Team at St Anne’s College for meticulously planning such an impactful day and to COSARAF for generously sponsoring this opportunity. Together, we’re empowering young people to dream bigger and explore their potential.
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The Naz Legacy Foundation proudly facilitated another engaging Diversity Day, this time at the iconic Bush Theatre. We welcomed 30 enthusiastic students from Madani Girls School, The Forest Academy, and Caterham High School for a day filled with learning, creativity, and inspiration.
The day began with an introduction to the theatre’s rich history, followed by an exclusive backstage tour. Students were fascinated to see how the dynamic stage transforms for each production and learned about the meticulous effort that goes into bringing stories to life.
A careers workshop followed, where students explored diverse pathways into theatre, whether in creative, administrative, or technical fields. They gained valuable insights into the many roles that keep a theatre thriving, from behind-the-scenes to front-of-house operations.
After a delicious lunch sponsored by Spice Village, students participated in an interactive theatre-making workshop. This session prepared them for the thought-provoking themes of Wolves on Road, a homegrown Bush Theatre production they had the privilege of watching to conclude the day. Themes such as poverty, respect, and trust were explored, sparking meaningful discussions and leaving a lasting impression on the students.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Learning Team at Bush Theatre for curating such a memorable day and to Spice Village for their generous support. Together, we’re creating opportunities that inspire the next generation and showcase the power of the arts to educate and empower.
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We are thrilled to share the success of our inaugural Diversity Day at Shakespeare’s Globe! This unique event welcomed 20 young people from Lantern of Knowledge Boys Islamic School and Eastbrook School for an inspiring ‘Discover! Creative Careers’ Day at the Globe.
The students participated in engaging workshops, gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to produce a high-quality show. They explored various aspects of theatre production, including props, lighting, stage management, and costumes, and discovered the creativity and teamwork that bring Shakespearean stories to life.
A standout moment was seeing props from iconic Shakespearean plays, which left students mesmerised as they learned how the magic of storytelling is created on stage. The Year 10 students also explored the diverse pathways into careers at the Globe, realising that there truly is something for everyone in the world of theatre.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Learning Team at Shakespeare’s Globe for hosting such a memorable and inspiring day and to Spice Village for sponsoring the delicious lunch for our young participants. This impactful experience has inspired students to think differently about the creative industries and the opportunities they hold.
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On Thursday, 17th October, 40 students from Azhar Academy, Eastbrook School, Forest Academy, and Jamiatul Ummah School took part in an inspiring Diversity Day with the Royal Navy. Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on tasks designed to give them a taste of the essential skills needed in the Navy. Activities like knot tying and circuit building emphasized the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness, key qualities for success at sea. The day concluded with an insightful careers presentation that highlighted the various roles available in the Navy, the application process, and the support and benefits offered to those pursuing a naval career.
We extend our sincere thanks to the team at HMS President for hosting this exclusive and enriching experience. A special thank you to Spice Village for generously sponsoring the delicious hot meals, enjoyed by both students and staff.
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On Wednesday, 9th October, we welcomed 30 students from Caterham High School, Eastbrook School, and Madani Girls School to an inspiring Diversity Day at Kensington Palace. The event centred around the theme of Diversity and the Power of Cultural Heritage.
The day began with a thought-provoking workshop by Proud to Be, where students explored key topics such as London’s rich diversity, embracing their cultural heritage, and striving for excellence. Following the workshop, students had the privilege of accessing the Untold Lives exhibition, which spotlighted the diverse and often overlooked individuals who played significant roles in running royal palaces over the past 300 years. The day concluded with an engaging speed networking session, where students had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from various professionals at Kensington Palace, including gardeners, architects, and producers. These insightful conversations left our young participants feeling motivated and inspired about potential career paths.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Historic Royal Palaces and the incredible team at Kensington Palace for hosting the day, and to BMT for their dynamic workshop. A special thank you to Spice Village for generously sponsoring the delicious hot meals that were enjoyed by both the students and staff.
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On Thursday, 3rd October, we had the pleasure of welcoming 15 sixth-form students from Caterham High School, Highams Park School, and Forest Academy for an inspiring Diversity Day at Norton Rose Fulbright. The day began with an engaging presentation introducing the firm, its prestigious work, and background on some of the large-scale deals they have successfully managed. Following this, students enjoyed a guided tour of the impressive office, which offered breathtaking views of the London skyline.
As this was a smaller, focused group, the day centered around developing essential personal skills for sixth-formers, including CV writing, personal branding, LinkedIn profiles, and crafting effective elevator pitches. These were particularly timely and valuable for the students, providing them with practical tools to help them prepare for the next stage in their careers. The event concluded with an interactive business challenge, where students collaborated on a case study and presented their findings to a panel from Norton Rose Fulbright.
We extend our sincere thanks to the entire Norton Rose Fulbright team for making this day possible. Your commitment to fostering the next generation of legal professionals is truly appreciated and inspiring.
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We are excited to share the highlights of our Diversity Day at Wimbledon, held on September 25th for 30 young people from Easttbrook School, Forest Academy and Lantern of Knowledge Boys School. The day began with a warm welcome from the Wimbledon Learning Team, followed by an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic grounds. This included visits to several courts, with Centre Court being a particular highlight where students had the rare opportunity to explore the space independently. During the tour, students learned about the meticulous care of maintaining the grass courts, the rich history of legendary matches and the pathways walked by the sport’s greatest players.
We were also fortunate to have significant participation from Wimbledon staff members during an insightful panel discussion. Students gained valuable knowledge about diverse career pathways and exciting roles within Wimbledon, learning how transferable skills such as teamwork and perseverance—often cultivated in sports—are highly valued in the workplace. The day concluded with a visit to the Wimbledon Museum, where students explored the history and traditions of The Championships.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Wimbledon’s Learning Team for providing such an inspiring experience for our young people—a special thank you to Spice Village for catering the delicious food at the event.
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We are pleased to share the success of our recent Summer Work Experience programme at the Tower of London. Twelve students from various schools across London were given the unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) and learn about the wide range of careers that support the Tower’s esteemed heritage.
From conservation and preservation to media and marketing, the students gained invaluable insights into the diverse roles that contribute to the management and promotion of this iconic site. They were also introduced to HRP’s apprenticeship and graduate schemes, which provided them with a clear understanding of potential career pathways within the organisation. The programme culminated in individual student presentations delivered to a panel of HRP professionals, in which the students demonstrated what they had learned and reflected on their experiences.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the team at HRP for their commitment and support in delivering this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and developing further impactful work experience opportunities that inspire and equip young people for the future.
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On Thursday 4th July, 30 students joined us for an invaluable insight into KPMG. The event began with KPMG’s COO in Tax and Legal and a Trustee of the Naz Legacy Foundation, Siddiq Musa who shared his journey and insights into his career at KPMG and inspired the students to work hard towards their aspirations.
The students were introduced to the wide variety of opportunities at KPMG in terms of their departments, travel opportunities, and how to apply for their apprenticeship and graduate schemes. The team shared the ways KPMG supports its employees through well-being checks and celebrates diversity, as seen through winning awards. Students then went through interview skills.
In the afternoon, students participated in a business pitch challenge which provided a keen insight into KPMG’s work. The students were presented with a variety of case studies and worked through researching various sources to pick out key information. They compared the case studies and presented the one they thought would be the best investment. This allowed students to grow their confidence in public speaking and teamwork.
Students then gained the opportunity to speak with current employees in the company who had entered at different phases of their career including through the apprenticeship and graduate schemes. They shared valuable advice to students to study what they enjoy as that is what they will do best in and will still allow them to apply to work at a high-profile company like KPMG.
Thank you to the team at KPMG for facilitating an incredibly insightful day.
Supporters
We are thrilled to share the highlights of an inspiring event organised in partnership with the Jo Cox Foundation and 64 Million Artists. The event was held at the iconic City Hall, London’s symbol of governance and community spirit. This initiative brought together five remarkable London schools with a shared mission: to foster the well-being of young individuals, tackle loneliness, and nurture a sense of connectivity among peers. 50 enthusiastic students from Years 7 and 8 participated in engaging presentations, team-building exercises, and creative challenges designed to delve into these themes. The event was meticulously crafted to inspire and equip students with practical strategies to enhance connections within their schools.
Throughout the day, students participated in various exciting workshops, which provided opportunities to meet peers from different schools to discuss and share ideas. One of the key takeaways was the powerful message that “we have more in common than what divides us.” This sentiment resonated deeply as students engaged in discussions about creativity and collaboration. Additionally, insightful sessions allowed schools to gain valuable knowledge and collaborate on strategies to enhance in-school connections, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Students left the event feeling motivated and empowered, having discovered new ways to connect with their peers and contribute to their school communities. The practical strategies and insights gained will be invaluable as they implement these learnings in their respective schools. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jo Cox Foundation and 64 Million Artists for their partnership in this initiative. Together, we are making significant strides in enhancing the well-being of young individuals and nurturing a sense of community and belonging among London’s youth.
Student response:
- “If we took these activities back to our schools, people would have a more positive view on themselves and others.”
- “I want to celebrate the differences that everyone has a lot more.”
- “I was able to mix with people outside of my school.”
- “It taught me about the importance of communication.”
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On Thursday 23rd May, Year 7 students from three schools joined us for an exciting Diversity Day which offered a unique blend of outdoor learning and museum exploration. The day commenced with an Urban Nature Workshop set amidst the scenic beauty of Hyde Park. Students delved into the variety and dynamics of nature living within our urban landscapes. Through conducting scientific data collection, the students evaluated the impact that the urban environment and human use of the space have had on the biodiversity of Hyde Park. Students compared two sites in the Park for this study and calculated the mean before reporting the data in a bar chart. This built curriculum-linked skills in teamwork and observation, as well as enhancing the students’ knowledge of scientific research processes. Following the workshop, students travelled to the Natural History Museum to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Students explored the rest of the museum, considering the adaptations nature has made to survive its changing climate and environment.
Student response:
- “This workshop allowed me to see the beautiful nature of the UK”.
- “I learnt the art of observation and how humans impact nature and wildlife”.
- “It is our responsibility to be taking care of wildlife and different species”.
- “I learnt how to calculate the mean in the scientific investigation”.
Thank you to the team at Royal Parks for running such an engaging workshop and to the Natural History Museum for access to the incredible exhibition.
Supporters
On Tuesday, 7th May, an unforgettable day unfolded as 40 Year 9 students embarked on a thrilling journey with the Royal Navy. They visited HMS President for a Royal Navy Diversity Day, delving deep into the intricacies of naval operations. Exploring the country’s most significant Royal Naval Reserve Unit, the students were treated to stunning views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge from the deck. Students engaged in various practical activities such as circuit building, teamwork exercises, Fire Brigade training, and prioritisation tasks, where they honed their teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills and gained invaluable insights into Navy life. The team facilitated an enlightening Q&A session, where students eagerly inquired about their experiences and explored diverse career opportunities within the Navy. The day ended with awards being presented for ‘Demonstrating Royal Navy Core Values,’ and three students proudly received this recognition.
Student response:
- “Teamwork and communication is key to fix any sort of problem.”
- “The Royal Navy is more important to Britain than I thought.”
- “It has made me more confident and a better leader.”
- “It prompted me to think differently about working with different people.”
Thank you to the team at HMS President for hosting such an enriching experience for the students.
Supporters
On the 5th March, Naz Legacy Foundation, in partnership with the FA, hosted 55 students from 4 different schools for an unforgettable Diversity Day at the iconic Wembley Stadium. It was an inspiring journey filled with learning, networking, and moments that will be cherished forever.
The day kicked off with an insightful presentation on the FA and opportunities within the realm of football. Following this enriching session, the students engaged in speed networking with dynamic and diverse young women holding various roles in the FA, where our students gained firsthand insights into the diverse array of careers available within the football ecosystem. One of the highlights of the day was the exclusive tour of Wembley Stadium, where our students had the privilege of exploring the royal corridors, VIP areas, and the legendary press conference room – the largest in Europe! Walking through the prestigious team dressing rooms, still resonating with the echoes of historic victories, was nothing short of surreal. But the pinnacle of the experience came with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a pitch-side photo session! Standing on the hallowed grounds where countless football legends have left their mark, our students felt a profound sense of privilege and inspiration. The day concluded with a captivating Q&A session featuring the esteemed Rachel Yankey OBE, who graciously shared her invaluable insights and experiences from her illustrious football career. Her words resonated deeply with our students, leaving them motivated and inspired to pursue their dreams.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FA and Rachel for hosting the event, which was a resounding success #FADiversityDay #WembleyStadium #EmpoweringFutureFemaleLeaders
Student response:
“Women should express themselves and not be afraid to show their talent”
“I learnt that there is more to football than playing”
“I learnt to always strive for success and to explore the opportunities all around us”
“This has definitely pushed and encouraged me to follow my passion!”
Supporters
On February 22nd, we were delighted to visit Downing College, University of Cambridge, with 37 students from Azhar Academy, Ernest Bevin, Eastbrook, and Lantern of Knowledge. The event, kindly supported by COSARAF, featured Downing College student ambassadors who shared insights into student life including their schedules, experiences of their subjects, and their involvement in Cambridge traditions and societies. Dr Kamran, an Admissions tutor, hosted an engaging Q&A which covered application tips and introduced ‘Supercurricular’ activities, a great way of demonstrating a passion for their chosen subject. A guided tour of the beautiful college campus showcased the study and recreational spaces, allowing students to visualise university life. Finally, students gained valuable information on student finance and support opportunities.
Student response:
“It showed me how universities provide support and how welcoming they are”
“I learnt that the stereotypes built around Cambridge are not so true, and if you get good grades, you have a chance of getting into Cambridge, regardless of your background”
“It made me feel empowered, and it widened my knowledge and understanding of the campus and university”
“I learnt how the college structure works”
A sincere appreciation to COSARAF for sponsoring this event and to the team at Downing College for inspiring the students and generously sharing valuable insights and experiences, encouraging them to explore Cambridge University as a potential choice for their academic future.
Supporters
On Wednesday 7th February we were delighted to be joined by Year 10 students from 3 different schools for an enriching visit to the Norton Rose Fulbright office in London. Commencing with a strategically designed icebreaker, the day unfolded with a comprehensive presentation, providing our students with a profound understanding of the multifaceted legal services offered by this esteemed firm.
A highlight of the itinerary was the engaging speed networking session, affording our students the privilege of connecting with accomplished young lawyers and apprentices. The invaluable exchange of insights and guidance provided an authentic glimpse into the dynamic world of legal professionals. The tour of the impressive offices led to a team challenge, wherein students applied their acquired knowledge to a case study. The ensuing presentations were met with constructive feedback from a panel of judges, contributing to a holistic learning experience.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire team at Norton Rose Fulbright for orchestrating this opportunity. Your dedication to nurturing the future generation of legal professionals is commendable.
Student response:
“I learnt how to present and be confident in a topic”
“I learnt about the intricacies of corporate law and the jobs and careers available”
“You do not always have to study law to have a career as a lawyer”
Supporters
The visit involved a sombre exploration of the exhibition, followed by an interactive workshop that delved deeply into the historical context. Through a unique and immersive journey through time, students gained a comprehensive understanding of Hitler’s role and the devastating atrocities of the Holocaust. The visit aimed to foster empathy and promote a meaningful reflection on this dark chapter in history. The Year 9 students expressed the impact of this visit in bringing their current studies of this area of history to life.
Student feedback:
“It really encouraged me to think more into how the victims must have felt and how drastically their lives changed”
“It is good as it helps us as individuals to understand the struggles of others”
“Sitting at a desk and actually going around and looking at history and personal stories are vastly different”
A huge thank you to the staff at the Imperial War Museum for facilitating an eye-opening experience and to the students for engaging so well in the day and playing such an active role in discussions.
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