Inclusive Schools Award judging panel revealed

November 21, 2014

The Accord Coalition has announced the judges of its 2015 Inclusivity Award. Now entering its sixth year, the annual award is open to all schools, and seeks to reward and celebrate those that make extra effort to be inclusive, with particular given regard school’s efforts to promote inclusivity and the growth of mutual understanding on the grounds of religion or belief.

Joining the Chair of the Accord Coalition, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE, on the panel this coming year will be:

  • Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Head of Research at the race equality think tank, The Runnymede Trust
  • Maria Exall, Chair of the TUC LGBT committee and Cutting Edge Consortium, which campaigns for the elimination of homophobia and transphobia, including that which is faith based
  • Baroness Kishwer Falkner, interests include foreign affairs and diversity and equality, Chancellor of the University of Northampton
  • The Revd Iain McDonald, a United Reformed Church clergyman and activist

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, said ‘Many schools are remarkably successful at improving cohesion and promoting the growth of mutual understanding. Rather than pointing out shortcomings, the Award rewards innovation and best practice in schools, and I am delighted that this year’s Award will be judged by another respected and experienced panel of experts.’

One of the joint winners of the 2014 Award was Newbury Park Primary school, which stood out for its innovative ‘Ambassadors of Faith and Belief’ scheme, where volunteers from local sixth forms support the delivery of RE by making presentations to pupils, including about their own beliefs and the role of them in their life. The pioneering project was supported by the local Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education and by a grant from the Westhill/NASACRE Award. The scheme has now been expanded to other schools in the Borough. As well as providing a worthwhile volunteering opportunity for local sixth form pupils, it allowed younger pupils to encounter and have a dialogue with positive role models from different backgrounds, improving their understanding of the nature of faith and belief as a real life experience.

The deadline for entries is Sunday December 7th, 2014. Prizes will be awarded in the New Year. Please contact Paul Pettinger at paul@accordcoalition.org.uk or on 020 7324 3071 with any queries, and visit https://accordcoalition.org.uk/inclusivity-award-2015/ for more details and an application pack.

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