Faith, sexuality and gender, as well as international cultures, lesser known sports and unusual musical instruments are all on the agenda for John Lyon’s first official Diversity Week.

With a focus on exploring how other people around us believe, think and act, the week which runs from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th December will introduce new ideas to pupils through a series of talks, events and activities.

Organised and driven by Sixth Form students for the benefit of their fellow pupils, special assemblies will look at the concept of diversity and aspects of sexuality, class, mental health and race, while PSCHE lessons will focus on areas including faith and religion.

Break times will see Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee and Blind Cricket come to John Lyon for the first time and lunchtimes in the New Memorial Dining Hall will be geographically themed.

There will also be special sessions looking at a number of international cultures, feminism and endangered musical instruments.

Deputy Head Boy Javier D’Souza, who is helping spearhead Diversity Week, said: “It is exciting to be organisating John Lyon’s first ever Diversity Week and we hope the programme of events allow boys from all years to reflect on things that make us all different and how they can be celebrated.

“In assemblies we will talk about some of the major diversity themes including sexuality, gender, culture, class, mental health, race and religion, and in classes and other events we are happy that teachers will tailor some of their lessons to help promote these themes and ideas, for example Drama will encourage students to devise performances inspired by the theme of diversity, History will look at the struggles people have faced to champion equality, and Geography will look at the theme of diversity across the world.”

Diversity Week

Baseball
Take a trip across the pond and try out one of America’s most loved sports. Come along to the School’s pop up batting cage in the sports hall and attempt to hit a home run.

Lacrosse
Fast paced, exciting and dynamic; why not try your hand at one of the quickest ball sports? Join us as we hold the school’s first lacrosse session on the practice pitch.

Blind Cricket
Experience a different way to play the much-loved sport that will heighten your senses as you explore a whole new dimension to the game of cricket. While blindfolded, you will use your other senses such as hearing and touch to score as many runs as possible.

Ultimate Frisbee
A game that requires skill, agility and endurance, Ultimate is another brilliant game, exported by our American friends! Come along and try this exciting sport which is sure to be brilliant fun!

American Football
The culmination of our sport quintet, come and try a different sport that brings the world of football and rugby together. This team-based sport is fun, exciting and exhilarating and is sure to be a hit.

Portuguese Language and Culture
Ever wanted to learn more about Portuguese language and culture? Then join Mr Berry and Mr Ferguson as they explore this diverse and exciting culture. From the churches of Lisbon, to the beaches of Rio, come and discover the beauty of the Portuguese world.

Endangered Musical Instruments
Discover a hidden world of exciting new musical instruments that are ‘dying out’ in orchestras worldwide. Have a blow on a bassoon, toot on a tuba or pluck a harp in this session which hopes to save these instruments from endangerment.

Italian Language and Culture
Do you love pizza and pasta? Come and learn about Italian food and culture! We will learn about some of the famous Italians that have shaped the world in addition to learning how to order your favourite pizza!

Zimbabwean Culture
Travel to a land of natural beauty, wonder and excitement as we explore Zimbabwe’s culture and history. Join us as we talk about life in Zimbabwe and explore its fascinating past, present and future.

Feminism
Feminism is an important issue that is very relevant, even (perhaps especially) in an all-boys school. We will discuss this topic and talk about how we can all be feminists and champion the feminist cause.

Diversity Art Project
Diversity Week marks the start of the Art Department’s new project where we will create artwork inspired by our own diversity and the diversity of others. Put your creative hats on and get creative with the rest of the school community.

Russian Language and Culture
Join us as we explore all things Russian. This is a great way to learn more about the rich Russian culture and history and learn a bit of the lingo too!

John Lyon is an independent school, a member of HMC, ISC and is reviewed in the Good Schools Guide.

Pupils typically join John Lyon in Years 7, 9 and 12, largely from a North West London catchment area including Harrow, Wembley, Stanmore, Pinner, Watford, Rickmansworth, Northwood, Ruislip, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Northolt, Southall, Ealing, Acton, Edgware, Brent Cross, Finchley, Barnet, Camden, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, as well as other parts of Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

See forthcoming open events, concerts and exhibitions on our What’s On page.