Diamonds are forever at Avonbourne College

Staff and students at one Bournemouth school are real gems when it comes to embracing culture and diversity.

Avonbourne College has been awarded the prestigious Cultural Diversity Quality Award –receiving the highest possible ‘diamond’ accolade.

The award recognises how well the college teaches its students about internationalism while promoting equal opportunity into its culture and climate.

Executive headteacher of Avonbourne Trust, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, said, “This award is of great importance to Avonbourne because it endorses our culture of mutual respect and our heartfelt belief that diversity and equality brings enrichment to everyone’s lives.

“The award is also a testament to the creative and innovative work that both staff and students do for, and within, their community.

“Our students are driven to make a positive difference to people’s lives and I can attest to the fact that they often do just that. I’m very proud of them and their dedication to the local and global community.”

To achieve this award, the school’s curriculum was assessed to see how far it embeds cultural diversity and equality and how it enhances students’ social, moral and spiritual education.

The assessors also examined the school’s cultures, parent/carer involvement, its role in the community and how staff and governors are trained to be aware of cultural issues.

Assessor Nicola Garratt said, “Students, staff and the local and wider communities clearly benefit from the holistic approach of the school towards internationalism, business and enterprise which promote diversity and equality at every opportunity.

“The school’s approach is an excellent example of quality in cultural diversity and the school is very aware that it cannot become complacent and so is constantly striving to seek new challenges and to ensure self-improvement.”