July 07, 2024
Lionheart Pride 2024: Celebrating Differences
We boast a diverse student body of more than 13,000 pupils, whose differences we recognise and celebrate across the academic year. Following celebrations of faith, culture and disability earlier in the year, the 2024 Lionheart Pride Festival took place at The Cedars Academy with Lionheart’s young people enjoying a joyous July day celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.Pride is an opportunity for Lionheart staff and students – who identify as part of the community – alongside their allies, to join together and celebrate, access useful information, and promote the importance of equality and inclusivity.
Inspirational speeches from Amy – a Year 13 student at Beauchamp College – George White – a local RE teacher and recent recipient of an inclusion award, and Dr Jenn Hobbs – a university lecturer and an expert on LGBTQ+ and queer politics, led the main stage throughout the day. Alongside Lionheart schools’ Battle of the Bands winners giving a range of musical performances, Drag Queen Story Hour provided further entertainment.
With fairground rides, festival-style food and face painting stalls all adding to the fun, inside the marquee pupils were able to read and buy LGBTQ+ literature, learn about representation in the curriculum and speak to inclusive employers such as the Fire Service.
The outcome of Lionheart’s ‘100 words’ pride competition was also announced on the day following the submission of short poems, songs and stories about what pride means. Amnique from Brocks Hill Primary School and Mila from Beauchamp College were named the winners, with both pupils having written poignant poems that highlighted the importance of accepting people, irrespective of their background.
As glittery, exhausted, yet smiling faces left the Cedars’ field, we knew that pupils were leaving educated, celebrated and heard; the key ingredients of another successful Lionheart Pride.
