Award-winning schoolwork promoting equality caught the eye of Formula 1 racing giants Mercedes.
Students at The Whitehaven Academy, Brampton’s William Howard School and Workington Academy recently took part in a Safeguarding Awareness Week project, delving into the characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act.
Characteristics safeguarded by the Equality Act – including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation – were researched by students who found out why they are important to protect and celebrate.
Under the banner of Not in Our School, students chose a specific protected characteristic to focus on and then created vibrant displays to spread awareness and highlight key points.
The panel judging the work of the Cumbria Education Trust schools were impressed by the thought and research that went into the project and had a difficult time deciding on a winner.
A Lewis Hamilton display at Workington Academy by Form 10LDA was eventually declared the platinum winner – and a subsequent post on social media platform Linked In was spotted by his Formula 1 team who added their own congratulations and said it was brilliant.
Gill Creighton, the trust’s safeguarding manager, said: “The judges’ job was not easy! Well done to all participants, I learnt so much and was once again so inspired and proud of our students.
“Huge congratulations to 10LDA on their well-deserved success. Kudos to school staff for their investment in the competition too.”
