“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” – Galatians 3:28

Gunnersbury Catholic School is a welcoming school where everyone is highly valued and where tolerance, honesty, cooperation and mutual respect for others are fostered. We are committed to the development of the whole person within a supportive, secure and creative environment. A broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum provides equal opportunity for all pupils to maximise their potential regardless of disability, race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation. We endeavour to promote positive relationships with parents, governors and members of our wider community.

 

Equality Act 2010

 

The Equality Act 2010 replaced all previous equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act.

The Equality Act 2010 provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law, covering all the types of discrimination that are unlawful. It simplifies the law by removing anomalies and inconsistencies that had developed over time in the existing legislation, and it extends the protection from discrimination in certain areas.

Please click here to view the guidance provided by the Department for Education.

Our School

Gunnersbury Catholic School is a non-selective boys’ comprehensive with girls admitted in Sixth Form, in the London Borough of Hounslow. Students are drawn from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, with over 50 different home languages spoken. A large number of our school population reside in areas of high social deprivation.  We appreciate the diverse experiences and outlooks our students bring and we seek to overcome the barriers to learning that they face, and to raise aspirations for all our students.

The Gunnersbury motto (Ad Altiora- aiming for highest) aims to instil in every young person regardless of their race, religion, gender, disability, relationship and identity, that each student is able to thrive and fulfil their potential. Our strong Catholic ethos, which is at the heart of everything we do, teaches students to be respectful, tolerant and open to everyone. We recognise that there are similarities and differences between individuals and groups and our curriculum reflects this diversity, ensuring that our individuality does not become a barrier to participation, access and learning. 

Throughout their time at Gunnersbury, students are able to acknowledge and celebrate our society, appreciating its richness. In order to be able to flourish in an educational institution, it is important that pupils are not only able to discuss each other's views and experiences, but must also be able to identify and associate with the topics and areas covered in their different subjects. Highlighting the exceptional achievements and contributions of high-profile individuals and also a plethora of successful Gunnersbury alumni will inspire and help raise all of our students’ aspirations, a key factor in any young person’s journey to adulthood and independence.

In order to celebrate diversity within the school, both our curriculum and specific events highlight this key aspect.

Languages:

At Gunnersbury, we believe that a language cannot be fully understood without engaging with social, cultural and historical contexts. Speakers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds are represented through textbooks, resources, and supplementary materials to reflect the richness of the francophone world and beyond. Stereotypes are not ignored but addressed directly. They are explicitly discussed, challenged, and placed in their historical or cultural context. Where controversial topics arise, students are encouraged to debate and critically engage with them in class. Furthermore, bilingualism and multilingualism are celebrated across the school community. Events such as European Day of Languages, Black History Month, and International Day highlight linguistic diversity. Achievements in GCSE and A level community languages are also celebrated during both internal and external school events, reinforcing pride and recognition of students’ linguistic heritage.

 

Black History Month

Black History Month was embraced as a whole-school celebration, with every department contributing to its success. The month featured a rich programme of activities designed to educate, engage, and inspire both students and staff. Highlights included:

• Cultural food experiences: African and Caribbean dishes were offered in the canteen, giving students the opportunity to explore and enjoy authentic flavours.
• Music and performance: Communal areas were filled with African and Caribbean musical styles during break and lunch times. This included live performances from students, showcasing their talents while celebrating cultural heritage.

 

• Inspirational displays: Posters around the school highlighted the achievements of influential Black figures, sparking curiosity and conversations.
• Creative competitions: Students participated in poetry, rap, music, and art contests centred on the Windrush generation, encouraging them to reflect creatively on history and identity.
• Faith and reflection: A dedicated “Living Faith” lesson provided structured opportunities for information sharing, debate, and deeper understanding of Black History Month.
• Form-time learning: Short video resources introduced prominent Black figures, serving as a springboard for reflection on the contributions of Black people to society.
• Community engagement: Celebrations were shared beyond the school walls through platforms such as Twitter, amplifying the sense of pride and recognition.

 

Importantly, Black History Month acted as a catalyst for a wider, long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion. The celebrations inspired the school to extend recognition of other cultural groups, ensuring that appreciation of diversity continues throughout the year, not just in October. So far, this has included themed explorations of Polish, Irish, and Asian cultures, with activities such as:

• Cultural food options in the canteen, giving students a taste of global cuisines.
• Themed music played during lunch times, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Decorations and displays focusing on the traditions, achievements, and stories of different cultural communities.

 

By embedding these initiatives into the rhythm of school life, the programme has moved beyond one-off events, instead fostering an ongoing culture of inclusivity, respect, and celebration of diversity.

International Day

International Day 2024 was held on Wednesday 16th July, and it proved to be an inspiring celebration of the rich diversity within our school community. The event not only highlighted the wide range of cultural backgrounds represented by our students and staff but also fostered a deeper sense of understanding, inclusion, and pride across the school.

 

The day was a resounding success, providing a meaningful platform for students, staff, and families to both share and learn about cultural identities through engaging, interactive, and educational activities. Beyond simply celebrating difference, International Day created a space for genuine dialogue, curiosity, and respect, making it an enriching experience for the whole school community. It also helped to strengthen the bonds between students and staff, encouraging everyone to take pride in their own heritage while showing appreciation for others.

 

One of the most memorable features of the day was the colourful array of traditional costumes and clothing worn by students and staff. Many chose to dress in attire that represented their country of origin or a culture that held personal significance. This created a vibrant and joyful atmosphere, visually reinforcing the sense of unity in diversity that underpinned the celebration.

 

In addition, the event carried a strong charitable focus. Participation was marked by a £1 donation from each child and adult, which raised over £700 in support of Children in Crossfire. This charity plays a vital role in addressing child poverty and improving education in vulnerable communities. Through their Global Citizenship Education programmes in UK schools, they work to raise awareness about diversity, inequality, and social justice worldwide. By supporting this cause, our International Day connected the school community to a much wider global conversation, empowering students to think critically about the world around them and their role as responsible global citizens.

 

Ultimately, International Day was far more than a one-off celebration. It was an opportunity for our school community to embrace diversity, build empathy, and reflect on shared values of respect and unity. The event will continue to serve as a foundation for future initiatives that promote inclusivity, cultural awareness, and active global citizenship throughout the year.