MAS students celebrate difference in a week of appreciation: 6th-10th March 2017

Students at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch are displaying integrity, awareness and support this week in recognition of the differences within our learning community.

The week will provide our students with the opportunity to champion and promote their peers with SEN and Disabilities; raising understanding within the school community. The whole academy will be taking part in cultural, social and moral learning opportunities; contemplating and celebrating difference.

Over the week, MAS students will receive a rich and diverse itinerary. Last year the academy hosted disabled artists, photographers, athletes and representatives from the Invictus Games Foundation will be speaking, coaching and inspiring with stories of success, motivation and exceptional feats.

Our students can look forward to a variety of events. Past events have included inclusive football coaching from West Ham United and an England International Cerebral Palsy footballer; ‘Don’t Dis My ability’ Debate Mate competition; and an extensive Q&A session with an Invictus Games Gold medal winner.

This year, Celebrating Difference Week will focus primarily on unseen differences. The week will give special emphasis on mental health and wellbeing.  This will see the academy host workshops and lectures form various experts and professionals from the field of mental health and welcome representatives from the charities, MIND and Samaritans. The academy will also run a social media campaign to raise awareness and gain support from the outside world. At the forefront of this will be the hashtag #mindovermatter.

Two spectacular events will bring an end to the week.  We will be hosting an awards ceremony, to honour and praise those students at MAS who have gone above and beyond in displaying acts of kindness, raising awareness and helping others. In recognition of our past work with Ed Percival (brother of Laura Percival, our former SENCO), who sadly passed away this year, a fun run/walk will take place on Friday 10th March 2017.  The fun run/walk will be in aid of ‘The Orpheus Centre’ a specialist college in Surrey that increases the confidence and skills of young disabled adults through the performing arts.  The students and staff at MAS wish to use their fundraising expertise to support the charity that helped Ed throughout his life.

“Your fun run will be another step in the celebration of Ed’s life…many thanks for all you are doing. It is much appreciated.”

Graham Whitehead
Chief Executive Officer
The Orpheus Centre