On Wednesday, 11th March, the whole school came together to celebrate Gender Equality Day – with fantastic results.

The day opened with a Kvutzah session planned by the school’s gender equality club, Shivyon, in which the students created campaigns to encourage body positivity and improve self-esteem. The session produced some amazing pieces of work – from posters, to raps, to 3D models – some of which will soon be displayed around the school. We had some excellent feedback about these sessions and we are delighted that everyone enjoyed it.

Older students participated in a very interesting debate, featuring a professional panel of diverse community members.  They included our very own headteacher Mr Moriarty, Philosophy student and theatre director Paul Lichtenstern; Labour candidate for Finchley and Golders Green Sarah Sackman; Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk from Finchley Progressive Synagogue; and Alexandra Chalat, Managing Director of sports organisation Think Beyond. The students were completely engaged and asked some thoughtful, impressive and even controversial questions…some of which will be seen in our highlights video from the panel.

By lunchtime the whole school were into the swing and fun of the day – enjoying the music (with Ms Gustard even busting a move or two) and making the most of our photo-booth and silly props. Students and teachers were able to write their own aspirations for their future with regards to gender equality, which were all posted on a large board.

Overall, the day was a massive success. The members of Shivyon, were positively surprised to see how important the topic of gender equality was to our school’s wonderful students and we really hope that it remains an important issue which we strive towards every day!