Anti-racist Journey
Our mission
Mitchell Brook is dedicated to being an actively anti-racist school that celebrates all backgrounds and cultures. Every member of the school is expected to challenge racism in all its forms, ensure that the curriculum and daily interactions are based on our STAR values. Mitchell Brook’s goal is to be a safe, supportive, and empowering place where pupils can achieve their potential, free from bias or inequality, and with staff continuously integrating equity, respect, and inclusion into their daily work.
Our journey
Curriculum
Mitchell Brook has remained committed to eliminating unlawful racial discrimination and promote equal opportunities in all areas of school life. We are proud of the diversity of our pupil and staff groups and carefully consider and explore intersectional aspects of identity such as race combined with gender. This is celebrated through the aspects of our diverse curriculum which includes an in-depth celebration of Black History Month, an anti-racist curriculum and monthly KS2 assemblies centred around race and society. As part of our work on decolonising the curriculum, we believe talking regularly about racism as a school is the first step towards making a positive social change.
Staff
All staff members at Mitchell Brook have continuous professional development centred around racial literacy. We believe it is important that all staff can confidently and empathetically discuss issues around race with each other, with pupils and with families. Staff have received training from experts including Orlene Badu and Rachel Clarke, in addition to the in-house training led by our school Anti-Racist Lead and Senior Leaders.
Anti-Racist School Award
Mitchell Brook is currently working towards being accredited with the Anti-Racist School award through Leeds-Carnegie. This award will assist us with evaluating our current anti-racist practices, identify any gaps, develop and strengthen these and work towards building an anti-racist community for all that will benefit pupils, staff and families alike. Through achieving this award, we are demonstrating a deep commitment to placing anti-racism as the core value of our school alongside our school’s mission to having a whole school culture where all members of our community can thrive. The award focuses on five key competencies:
- Governance
- Leadership and management
- School environment
- Professional learning and development
- Hidden curriculum
- Pedagogy and curriculum,
- Parents/carers and community partnerships
Resources and guidance for families
Talking to children about Racial Bullying
Advice on what racism is and how to get support