We have been updating the large world map display in our Reception area and  using it as a focal point to celebrate our community’s diversity and the rich and  varied heritage that many of our families enjoy. We have always valued the fact that Kingsmead families come from or have connections to so many different parts of the world. Our Learning Mentor Paul, has been talking to  individual  families about their heritage and finding out if they would like their connections to be featured in our display.

So far we have  information  on connections across most of the continents— from Ethiopia,  Vietnam, Australia, the Philippines, Spain, Germany, Somalia, Jamaica, Cuba & Pakistan and Paul has  unearthed some very interesting  details from families he has spoken to. Did you know that;

· Anzel’s great, great uncle was the president of Somalia in the 1990s

· Lots of Gabriella’s family live in the diamond mining area of Sierra Leone

· Inigo’s family have connections to Spain, Germany & the Philippines!

Children, staff and visitors have been really enjoying reading the information on our new Celebrating Diversity map and it is lovely to share and celebrate the connections our community has all over the world. Kingsmead’s reach is global! Our Celebrating  Diversity map also really helps bring geography alive for the whole school, making real global connections for  children and developing their geographical knowledge.

“It makes me feel very proud to be part of a school and  community that represents my heritage” Ammara’s mum

“I am Sierra Leonean and my daughter was born in England. I think it's important that our cultures are taught  and recognised. I am very proud that Kingsmead have taken time to represent diversity within the school” Gabriella’s mum

Kingsmead families who  would like to share information, celebrating their  family’s heritage and culture, to feature on our map should contact Paul by sending an email with WORLD MAP in the subject line to: admin@kingsmead.hackney.sch.uk