PRESS RELEASE

28 Feb 2018

NewVIc's biggest Pride event brings all students together.

The rainbow flag is still flying high from the college entrance and marks NewVIc's biggest Pride event, as part of February's LGBTQ+ month 2018. Funded by theJack Petchey Foundation,the month was filled with a series of fun educational activities. The aim was to create a greater understanding amongst our young people, which saw students come together to understand and support their fellow LGBT students.

The college was decorated with LGBT flags and posters, where more than 600 students and staff attended. An ‘equality pledge' was placed at the entrance and signed to treat everyone equally. Filled with multiple interactive stalls including a giant LGBT history timeline, students guessed the date of when laws were passed. Students also placed stickers on a giant world map to show where they thought gay marriage was legal. Highlights included ‘Rainbow laces' themed sports activities, a ‘Gender Unicorn' which gave students the opportunity to chart the way they felt about their gender identity and a  ‘Coming out' talk led by staff lecturer Rob Behan which focused on the soundtracks associated with the LGBTQ+ movement.

Rob Behan, teacher of history, government and politics said:"NewVIc's LGBT history month consisted of a series of activities and talks to support and learn about the importance behind the LGBT movement."

Students were intrigued and educated on facts. Jubaed Shah Mohammed, studying A-level history, government & politics and law added: "I was amazed by the number of LGBT artists that had come out and it made me recognise that the UK was and is more open to change than other countries ‘'

Student Juan Poggioli, studying A-level drama & theatre studies, film and a subsidiary diploma in photography added: "A lack of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visibility in the college as well as curriculum can be a huge factor in decision making for young people when they choose a college, which is why I chose to come to NewVIc. There is LGBT support and acceptance here and I am proud to be in this college".

Lauren Harper and Jodie Fink both A-level tutors who led on the event said:"Over the last few years, we've made it a priority to try to make NewVIc a more LGBTQ+ inclusive environment. We've established an LGBTQ+ group for the students, a staff network, and delivered training to all members of staff. For us, the next logical step was to hold a large scale Pride event for our students, and increase visibility and educate students across the college, whilst sending a clear message that NewVIc is a welcoming place, and we believe we achieved this through this year's NewVIc Pride event."

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NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form College) is a place to learn, thrive and achieve for students aged 16-18. It combines high quality facilities with excellent teaching, tailored support and a strong sense of community. An investment of £10million in a new building which opens in 2017 provides a new university-style learning resource centre and lecture theatre.

Established in 1992, the College celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2017. It has 2,500 students and is based in Plaistow, Newham.

• Inderpal Lolay