Inclusivity and cultural responsiveness
Making sure every child feels a sense of belonging and acceptance at school. Find out what’s different here.
Young people learn best when they feel accepted for who they are, when they enjoy positive relationships with their peers and teachers, and when they are able to be to be active, visible members of the learning community.
Likewise, research shows that in order for young people to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in the classroom, adults working in the public education system must foster positive cultures and trusting, nurturing relationships with one another.
The Inclusivity and Cultural Responsiveness team are in the process of equipping school teams and DOE staff with the knowledge, skills and strategies to deliver learning and support in a personalised, restorative and culturally responsive way - with young people and with one another.
Much of this journey will require shifts in attitudes and mindsets towards valuing the whole child, recognising and celebrating all of their unique strengths, skills and interests that form who they are, not just academic performance.
While moving towards an inclusive and culturally responsive system may be in conflict with people’s belief and faith systems, it will be important to navigate a path forward if we want to close inequality gaps and support all Bermuda’s young people to lead fulfilling lives.
If you would like to find out more about the Inclusivity and Cultural Responsiveness workstream and how it’s helping to shift mindsets one conversation at a time, please contact LeeAnn Simmons on leasimmons@gov.bm.
What we mean by Inclusivity and Cultural Responsiveness:
Inclusive/Inclusion in Education | each and every young person has access to and can participate in engaging, high quality learning on the island, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.
Culturally Responsive Learning (for Bermuda) | includes restorative learning that values Bermuda’s past, recognises current challenges and opportunities and prepares learners to thrive and lead in Bermuda’s future.
Learn more about…
Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
A world-class curriculum, new models of teaching and learning and assessments that demonstrate what students have done, can do and what they have learnt…
Learning partnerships
Forming partnerships with industry and community to create deep and meaningful learning experiences…
