This week, Robert Gordon’s College celebrated its annual Diversity Week, an inspiring and uplifting experience that brought together pupils, staff and the wider community. 

Junior School pupils were delighted to welcome some of our Senior School pupils to a special assembly focused on diversity. Both Junior and Senior School pupils took to the stage to share their personal experiences and perspectives, where their heartfelt stories offered a unique glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and identities represented across the College community. 

RGC’s Interfaith Society welcomed members of the Aberdeen Interfaith Group to the Senior School library for an exhibition. The event provided an opportunity for  pupils and staff to engage in meaningful conversations on a variety of topics, while also strengthening interfaith connections within the school and beyond. 

Adithi (S5), RGC Diversity Week Committee Member, shared: “I’ve been a part of the Diversity Week Committee for the last three years and this year, it went excellently. I’ve gotten to be a part of a team with like-minded individuals who are incredibly passionate, understanding, and hard working. Without the work of Kate, Kirsteen, Aurea, Ananth, and the rest of the SRC, Diversity Week simply wouldn’t have gone as spectacularly as it did.  In a world which is experiencing ever more division and intolerance, we want to actively celebrate the incredible diversity in our own school and hopefully send a positive message about what can be achieved when we don’t just tolerate difference, but embrace it.”

S6 pupil and School Vice Captain, Ananth, said: “This week has been an important and well-received celebration of diversity. The Interfaith exhibition was vibrant and insightful, showcasing faith displays, religious artefacts, and inspiring faith stories. We were impressed with how well attended the event was and will aim to continue this enthusiasm among the pupils.It was rewarding for me to help organise these events and I’m confident it will encourage further understanding and acceptance of the diversity in our school community going forward.”

Out in the Quad, the Alliance Club hosted LGBTQIA+ stalls, where they provided a safe and inclusive space for pupils. Furthermore, the pupils had the opportunity to participate in Neurodiversity Stimulation Stalls, offering valuable resources and promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. 

Senior pupils were treated to an AfriStyle Dance Club workshop led by RGC parent Mrs Nwaopara in the Craig Centre for Performing Arts. The workshop brought energy and cultural expression to the celebrations showing how dance has the power to connect people and celebrate diversity. 

It was not only the pupils who participated in Diversity Week at RGC. The Robert Gordon’s College Parents Association hosted the inaugural International Food Festival in the Thomas Mackie Dining Hall. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to see the school community embracing its different cultures through mouth watering food from around the world. It was fantastic to see so many nationalities represented, including Scotland, Australia, the USA, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Iraq, Tunisia, Argentina, Nigeria, Russia, and France. If you missed it, don’t worry - the RGCPA Chairs have confirmed it will return next year with an even bigger event! 

Rounding off the week was a cultural dress up day and food stalls, adding a festive touch to the celebrations. The diverse array of food on offer reflected the rich tapestry of cultures that are embedded within the school community.