4/5 teachers believe that UK schools and curriculums have not integrated diversity appropriately or proportionately enough. Britain continues to be shadowed by patriarchal, colonial attitudes, often in unconscious and invisible ways.

Diversity is not only a moral imperative but an economic responsibility: In 2019, the productivity gap for the Midlands stood at £82.3 billion. Studies recognised barriers preventing historically disadvantaged groups to succeed in the workplace. 'Research shows that increased diversity in a company leads to greater innovation, promotes learning, and improves customer reach. The top 25% of companies for gender, racial, or ethnic diversity are more likely to have financial returns above their industry averages.'

Teachers have a significant influence on the development of empathy and awareness in their students. By creating a positive inclusion climate in schools, these values may continue into adulthood and ensure a peaceful, productive future. To begin remedying inequality in the classroom requires nuanced reflections on ethics and inclusion, and devising practical methods to implement them.

Practical tips for the classroom:

• Focus on underrepresented cultures. In the art classroom, some cultures are overrepresented. For example, a lesson discussing Asia is much more likely to mention China or Japan than Thailand or Vietnam. (infograph shown in Explorations in Art by Marilyn G Stewart)

• Celebrate and utilise the diverse social identities of your own students as sources of insight. For example, if you have Ukrainian students in your class, you could ask them about Slavic traditions and centre a lesson around that

• Question popular culture that enforces stereotypes or bias - for example, depictions of women in the Wizard of Oz (good witch, bad witch)

• Avoid nebulous statements about equality. Back it up with real data / sources / examples / advice

• Use artwork / literature / research created by underrepresented voices

• Progress not perfection. Your intention and effort will make a difference, even if you don't get it right first time.

'Midlands: Diversity must be supported by genuine inclusion'

(https://midlandsengineobservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/diversity-and-attitudes-change.pdf)

Explorations in Art, Marilyn G Stewart

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Explorations-Art-Marilyn-G-Stewart/dp/0871927640

Practical tips to diversify your curriculum:

https://www.theheadteacher.com/attainment-and-assessment/teaching-practice/how-to-diversify-your-curriculum

Why the History curriculum is lacking diversity:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/aqi/how-can-history-be-made-more-diverse

Diwali themed art project:

https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/kids/diwali-flower-lantern/

Ukrainian Egg Art:

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/pysanka-ukrainian-tradition-and-art-of-decorating-eggs-02134