A Lasting Legacy: Our Whole School Inclusion Poem

Posted on 27th February 2025

As part of our 150th-anniversary celebrations, we proudly unveiled our new Inclusion Poem.

At Norwich High School for Girls, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered. As part of our 150th-anniversary celebrations, we proudly unveiled our new Inclusion Poem— a powerful testament to our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

During our special whole school 150 assembly, students and staff gathered for the first reading of the poem, now permanently displayed in the stairwell. This visual and literary statement serves as a daily reminder of our shared values and our promise to ensure that everyone in our community feels seen and heard.

The poem was brought to life through the vision of Mr Matt Bull, our Diversity and Inclusion Lead. Earlier in the academic year, he invited students and staff to complete the sentence, “Inclusion is…”. The heartfelt and thoughtful responses formed the foundation of this inspiring piece.

“This poem is a collective voice from our school community. It encapsulates what inclusion means to us—listening, understanding and embracing our differences. It’s a powerful reminder that inclusivity is not just an idea; it’s an action, woven into the fabric of everything we do.”

Mr Matt Bull, Maths Teacher and Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Norwich High School for Girls

A particularly moving moment during the assembly came when four-year-old Imogen from our Nursery confidently recited part of the poem alongside Head Girl, Inayah. Their collaboration beautifully symbolised how inclusion spans across all ages and stages at Norwich High. Other members of the community spanning all year groups and staff, including teachers and Chef Nick Barker, read different lines, further showcasing our shared commitment to inclusivity.

What Inclusion Means to Us

Listening to everyone,
No one person knows everything.
Inclusion is a right, not an aspiration,
It is what we do—
Making sure every voice is heard,
Ensuring every individual feels valued, respected and seen.

It’s opening hearts and minds to others,
Celebrating difference,
Recognising our shared humanity.

Inclusion means feeling you can be yourself,
Without question.
No one is, or should feel like, an island.

It’s understanding perspectives,
Even when we disagree.
It’s championing someone else’s cause,
Seeing value beyond your own bubble,
Offering a seat at the table,
And ensuring everyone feels supported and empowered.

Inclusion is seeing through others’ eyes,
Adapting systems to their needs.
It’s about value, empathy and celebrating difference.

It’s creating safety,
Where every person can succeed.
Inclusion means welcoming every variation,
Giving the quietest a voice,
And making sure no one is left behind.

It’s a shared responsibility,
A commitment to listen,
To act.
It’s knowing we all belong,
And making sure we all thrive.

Together, we move forward.
Together, there is hope.

With thanks to the students and staff who contributed to this poem.

The unveiling of our Inclusion Poem is more than just a celebration; it’s a commitment to ongoing reflection and action. It stands as a beacon of our values, reminding us that inclusion is not a destination, but a journey we take together.