BACKGROUND
Ramsey Grammar School opened on the present site in 1946, the first fully comprehensive school in The British Isles. The buildings provide a pleasant spacious school, well equipped and appointed. It is located on the outskirts of Ramsey, a picturesque, seaside town with a working harbour and a population of around 6000. About 50% of our students live in the surrounding rural areas and travel on school buses. The school is well situated in a tranquil setting, having some of the most breath-taking views from the majority of classrooms and the extensive fields. It is not quite so tranquil in TT week since it is on the actual race course! Ramsey Grammar School is a happy school with relationships between students and staff characterised by mutual support and respect.
WHY DID THE SCHOOL CHOOSE TO WORK WITH SHAUN DELLENTY?
As part of a school review we examined the personal qualities we look for in our students at Ramsey Grammar School. This was condensed into our “Ramsey Way of Being” and was created using words taken directly from the pupils. Shaun had been contracted to work alongside the Department of Education Sport and Culture on the Island and I was given the opportunity to meet and discuss his work on inclusion. Immediately I could see how his values matched those of the school.
HOW HAS THE WORK OF SHAUN DELLENTY IMPACTED UPON THE SCHOOL?
I asked Shaun to present to each of the year groups individually across the school. As Shaun spoke it became clear that his message resonated with our students. The response from the students was phenomenal, at the end of each session several groups waited to retell their experiences and offer support and appreciation for the work which Shaun is doing.
I also took the opportunity for Shaun to deliver a small session to our whole staff and will develop this work further in January with more staff workshops. He had also given me the confidence and support to ensure that I could proudly promote the visit to our school as a hugely significant step towards promoting total inclusion for all.
HOW DID THE TRAINING IMPACT UPON YOUR SCHOOL?
There has been a clear shift in the language used by some students. As a school we are trying to ensure that there are no negative attachments/ associations with “being gay” and staff and students are challenging any such behaviours with confidence.
HOW DID THE TRAINING IMPACT UPON TEACHING AND LEARNING?
Shaun asked me “where are LGBT+ groups represented in your school”? My honest answer is that they weren’t. Staff have been challenged to look for opportunities to use different relationships and family units within their teaching. Using more scenarios that represent the diversity that is represented in our communities.
Because of the effective way that Shaun communicates his message about inclusion for all it has been far easier to challenge any homophobic language. Quickly students have reflected on what they have said and then examined it in a logical way. Very quickly students realise that what they have said is clearly wrong and offensive and they instantly regret saying it.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE THE TRAINING?
We have now set up a highly visible LGBT+ group at the school.
There has been overwhelming support and a request to help promote the work done within the school to help create a fully inclusive school. Shaun’s approach fits perfectly into our “Way of Being.” This is reinforced all of the time through assemblies, tutor periods and during lessons. Throughout the year we will also be investigating/promoting Anti-bullying week, LGBT+ History month and other appropriate avenues. It needs to be the dripping tap effect rather than I big push and then left for a year.
