Sydenham Girls’ School has become the first school in Lewisham and one of only 25 across the country to achieve a Gold Standard for cultural diversity.
The award for the school in Dartmouth Road recognises their inspiring work promoting cultural diversity, race equality and opening up opportunities for all students. The school received special praise for its success in celebrating Black History Month where students visited museums, attended workshops, and enjoyed informative historic walks. Valuable links have also been forged between the school and the borough’s Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and the Stephen Lawrence Trust in Deptford.
The Cultural Diversity Quality Standard (CDQS) was awarded by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, who promote cultural diversity, race equality and opportunities for achievements for all students.
Sydenham Girls’ School Headteacher, Barbara Williams, said: “To be one of only 25 schools in the whole country to have achieved this award makes us all incredibly proud. The award shows that when we talk about equality and achievement for all at Sydenham, we really mean it.”
Cllr Robert Massey, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It is fantastic that Sydenham Girls’ School is setting a great example in representing and celebrating cultural diversity and equality. The school and the people of Sydenham can take great pride in this award.”