How Do We Promote Diversity & Multicultural Awareness in Our Education in 6 Steps?

According to philosopher McLuhan, we are living in a “Global Village”. But how does this impact students’ learning, and how do we promote diversity and multicultural awareness in our school now that tools like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok make it easier to learn about other countries and cultures?

Many of our students come from diverse backgrounds and traditions and they are also exposed to cultures from all over the world. For educators, it is now more important than ever to embed diverse cultures in the curriculum and embody multiculturalism and respect, making these values an integral part of the school’s culture.

At Amity Amsterdam, we believe that every member of our community is of equal value and worth. Each individual brings unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that enrich our community and help us achieve our goals. We are committed to promoting cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), cross-cultural sensitivity, and open-mindedness in our everyday culture, and we embody these principles in all aspects of our operations. But how do we do that?

In this blog, we would like to take you through the six steps of how we promote DE&I practices, ensuring that our International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and our entire school environment are culturally responsive to the dynamic global culture.

 

1. Recognising Language Barriers

First and foremost, we want our students to be culturally responsive and educated in a diverse environment. To achieve this, we must recognise the cultural diversity of our school. We currently have students from many nationalities. Our students' enrolment data offers invaluable insight, enabling us to create a personalised education system for students from different cultures who speak various languages. This helps us plan a tailored approach to their education based on their needs.

For example, some students require additional support if their home language is not English to participate successfully at school. Our Student Support Department provides this through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons. Before a student enrols, our educational team assesses their language profile, previous educational background, and in-school assessments to determine the necessary level of support. By offering individualised assistance, including small group work and targeted help in class, our EAL teachers support students in becoming proficient in the curriculum. Our aim is to foster a truly international environment where students can share, respect, and appreciate one another’s cultures and languages.

 

2. Designing a Reflective Curriculum

At Amity Amsterdam, we strive to design our curriculum to reflect the diverse backgrounds of our students. By incorporating literature, history, and examples from various cultures into the curriculum, we ensure that every student sees themselves represented in their education. This approach fosters understanding and empathy among our students, helping them appreciate the cultural richness of the world.

For instance, in English Literature, in the Middle Years Programme (MYP), our students explore texts from diverse authors. From Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, students gain perspectives on different cultures, traditions, and historical contexts. They also understand varied narrative styles and cultural settings, contributing to the concept of international-mindedness, which is central to the IB.

 

3. Including Activities to Encourage Expression

We foster a vibrant culture of respect, empathy, and celebration of differences across our school. Our teachers design activities that welcome and include everyone, ensuring all students have equal opportunities to shine. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), for example, when a new unit begins, students are encouraged to share their ideas and appreciate diverse perspectives. Teachers facilitate these discussions, ensuring every student has a chance to speak. This inclusive approach teaches our students to respect others and feel respected in return. They thrive in an environment built on tolerance, support, compassion, and appreciation—values at the heart of everything we do.

 

4. Creating a Welcoming and Supportive Environment

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is a continuous and purposeful journey for us. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every member of the community can thrive. To achieve this, we actively share and discuss DE&I practices with our families and organise events that celebrate various cultures through our Community and Family Association.

A shining example of this commitment is our annual Global Village Week. This vibrant celebration brings together families and students to showcase their unique backgrounds, traditions, cuisines, and music. The week is packed with cultural activities, from student music and dance performances to family-run cultural fairs. Everyone eagerly shares their traditions and customs, embodying the IB's focus on intercultural understanding and respect.

 

5. Connecting with Diverse Communities and Organisations

As part of our DE&I commitment, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering connections. Our students and staff collaborate with local and international charities, learning about and supporting diverse communities.

For example, our PYP students and staff recently participated in a fundraising effort for a Malaysian charity, exemplifying our dedication to DE&I and offering a rich multicultural experience. By engaging with Malaysian culture and its environmental challenges, our students and staff expanded their global perspectives, building empathy and solidarity. These activities not only remove barriers but also promote understanding and inclusivity, inspiring our community to contribute positively to the world.

 

6. Empowering Students to Lead Initiatives

We believe that student agency is crucial in promoting DE&I in education, empowering learners to take charge of their educational journey. At Amity Amsterdam, students are encouraged to lead DE&I initiatives, which enhances their problem-solving and communication skills while fostering multicultural awareness.

For instance, our Middle Years and Diploma Programme students participate in the Model United Nations (MUN) Club, where they tackle global issues and debate world problems. DP students lead these debates, honing their communication skills, respect, and tolerance—qualities that will serve them well in higher education and beyond. Representing different countries in MUN deepens their understanding of international relations and cultural diversity, preparing them for future global challenges.

 

At our school, diversity and multiculturalism are core values embedded in our culture. Our curriculum and activities are designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students, families, and staff. By organising culturally diverse events and connecting with communities outside our school, we prepare our students to embrace differences and adapt to an evolving world. Empowering students to lead in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we aim to foster thoughtful, culturally aware, empathetic global citizens committed to making a positive impact on the world.

 

If you would like to learn more about how we promote diversity and multicultural education at Amity Amsterdam, please contact us.