All year groups were involved in our annual Pride Party, which featured themed activities, as well as a visit from a LGBTQ+ charity.

Alice Betts is our Diversity Lead, and organised the event with help from members of the Diversity Council and other students.

“We celebrated with lots of stalls for the students to visit,” she said. “They were able to take part in scavenger hunts, games around LGBTQ+ icons and important historical moments, and some previous favourite activities involved our photo booth and biscuit decorating.

“All students were invited, and we had a good turn out, especially amongst Year 7, who were enjoying dancing to the playlist made by one of my council members.”

She continued: “This year we also had the Norfolk LGBTQ+ Project visit. This charity works throughout the county providing support groups and individual mentoring, and they’ve supported many children at Springwood in the past.

“They came in with lots of merchandise that children could buy, and, in the heat we had that week, the fans were a firm favourite.”

It was the fourth time that Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had celebrated Pride, with the event growing year on year.

Miss Betts explained: “I oversee the planning and execution of the events, but, as this was our fourth year of celebrating Pride, the students have become much more experienced at taking charge of their own stations and activities.

“My Year 10 students have been with me since Year 7, so have taken part in every Pride Party that I have organised. It’s become such a staple of Springwood now, that it’s becoming an event I want to make bigger and better each year.”

She added: “It is so vital for everyone from the LGBTQ+ community that we mark this event. It helps them feel seen, and that Springwood can be a place they can be themselves without fear – this is one of the reasons we were awarded the School of Sanctuary Award.

“It’s such a joy to watch our students come to this event and not be afraid to show their identity, and feel safe to do so.”