Pitmaston Primary School – one of Gender Action’s first Beacon Level schools

Written by Pitmaston Primary School Equality Champions

At Pitmaston, over the last few years we’ve been working on making our school a more equal place. As a result of this we have received a beacon award from Gender Action. A group of children came together and worked on numerous projects. We are Pitmaston’s Equality Champions and we wear a badge so everyone knows who we are. Everyone in years 5 and 6 is invited to join if they like. This year we have a record-breaking 71 Equality Champions!

Our projects have included making assemblies for children of KS1 and KS2, so all our peers know what we’ve been doing. Those assemblies encouraged all our students to help us make this school a fairer place. We also did pupil voice where we went around and asked the children’s perspective on equality in our school and if they had any suggestions to make it even better which has led to lots more changes small and large. For example, doing research so we could have a more diverse art curriculum, a wider range of historical figures and offering more mixed gender sports teams. In addition, we started to make lessons to give everyone a deeper understanding of the importance of equality. These have been planned by us pupils. 

Over time we have gradually taken on more responsibility for promoting equality in our school. By doing this we have set an example for other schools. As equality champions we are very proud of what we have achieved and we have lots more projects happening again this year.

Amanda Sheehy, Equality Lead at Pitmaston Primary, shared:
"Our Gender Champions and Equality Champions in Years 5 and 6 have, for several years now, initiated a range of projects aimed at making our school a fairer place. The results are impressive—pupil and stakeholder surveys show just how invested our school community is in this important work."

To watch a short film showcasing their efforts, click here: Pitmaston Primary Video.