Diverse Narratives: English Faculty Fosters Understanding and Inclusion

At St Leonard’s College, we envision education as more than just a pathway to academic success; it is a journey towards embracing diversity and fostering global citizenship. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every student should be equipped with the tools for life-long learning and empowered to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

Our vision is clear: to provide all students with an education for life. To achieve this, we are guided by a mission that emphasises the importance of an exemplary, innovative education within a safe and nurturing coeducational environment. We aim to inspire our students through caring professionals while embracing the richness of our heritage and the diversity of humanity.

Core Value in Action: Diversity

Among our core College values, diversity is one that stands at the forefront, and our English Faculty passionately champions its integration into education, alongside our other cherished principles. At St Leonard’s we believe in welcoming all cultures and celebrating the richness that diversity brings to our community. Our students are encouraged to engage with people and cultures beyond their immediate surroundings, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the world’s myriad of perspectives.

The Role of the English Faculty

Within our English Faculty, the promotion of diversity and inclusivity takes centre stage. We recognise the power of literature in shaping perspectives and nurturing empathy. Thus, we are committed to selecting texts that offer a window into different lives, cultures, genders, and identities. Through careful study and consideration, we aim to cultivate empathy and appreciation among our students for individuals and their diverse circumstances.

Curating Diverse Perspectives

To showcase our dedication to diversity, we have feature cabinets in the English area to visually represent this commitment to our students. One example focused on texts linked to Aboriginal culture, while another highlighted texts related to the LGBTQI+ community. These displays serve as a tangible representation of our commitment to exploring diverse narratives and amplifying marginalised voices.

The English Text Selection Process

We prioritise texts that offer a rich and immersive experience, challenging students to confront and interrogate their own perspectives while embracing the perspectives of others. We identify texts that align with our values and educational goals. Maggie Walsh, Head of English, shares, “When selecting texts, we go through a rigorous process of identifying and discussing possible texts and then whittling this down to the very best text for each course and year level. As a faculty, we feel it is imperative to choose the right text to help us instil these important dispositions in our students.”

Empowering Global Citizens

Through our curriculum, we strive to empower students with the personal qualities necessary for lifelong learning. By exposing them to diverse texts and narratives, we equip them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our goal is to nurture not only academic excellence but also global citizenship, where students know and embrace all others as equals.

At St Leonard’s College, diversity is not just a value; it is woven into the fabric of our educational philosophy. Through our commitment to selecting diverse texts and fostering an inclusive environment, we empower students to become empathetic, globally aware citizens. Together, we embrace diversity as a strength and a source of inspiration, guiding our students towards a future filled with understanding, respect, and appreciation for all.