DEIB charter
ACS Cobham has evolved its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) charter to include ‘Belonging’ (DEIB)
ACS has evolved its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) charter to include ‘Belonging’ (DEIB) in response to the local community and DEI Council on what approach is most impactful for student wellbeing.
We pride ourselves on offering personalised learning, and supporting positive identity development in school. Adding ‘Belonging’ to our DEI charter will create opportunities for all students to feel seen, heard and to build trust.
In order to learn, grow and become global citizens and creative problem-solvers of the future, young people need to feel like they belong, are valued and add value. At ACS International Schools, we listened closely to the feedback we received from our students and recognise the inextricable link between feeling a sense of belonging, wellbeing, and DEI. We are proud to now include this as part of our ethos and are excited to witness the positive impact across our entire school community.
Student voice is a top priority at ACS International Schools. Students are frequently given the opportunity to share their voices through student-led panels, student voice clubs, and councils. We appreciate the firm link between mental health and a sense that one’s voice matters, and we continuously look for opportunities to include student voice in our reflection and planning.
In partnership with the DEIB Council, the school group’s Senior Leadership Team has developed a diverse range of policies to ensure staff and students can connect with the updated ethos. These include introducing ‘Welcoming Gender Diversity Guidance,’ a name pronunciation tool called NameCoach, and an Inclusive Language Policy, as well as updating the Child Protection Policy to include identity harm. In doing so, ACS Cobham aims to ensure systems that may not have previously served all community members will now do so.
We strongly believe in the power of the diversity of thought that comes from a range of lived experiences and cultures. To solve the challenges we face, we must welcome all voices into the conversation, and in order to do that, all of our community members must know that their ideas have value, that their voice is welcome, and that they themselves matter. This is perhaps the most vital benefit of Belonging.
