Respect Week

"Respect Week", an event held annually during  the second half of the Michaelmas Term, is an opportunity for the College Community to reflect on the need to show tolerance and respect to everyone we meet.

Over the five days different houses spearhead mini "awareness campaigns" into areas that are ripe for prejudice, both here at College as well as society at large. The themes of the days have included:

• Sexuality
• Individuality and Difference
• Poverty and Privilege
• Racism
• The Elderly

Throughout the day a variety of events (large and small) take place on the day's theme. Some involve a few people - perhaps a year group in a house - while others are College-wide. Provocative posters adorn the hallways each day, and there are often relevant video clips to watch in class. Pupils may be asked to complete a survey, take part in some role play or listen to an address by a member of staff, a group of pupils or an outside speaker.

Be it considering the true value of money at a time of national economic crisis, or listening to a black woman who has successfully broken through the glass ceiling to achieve prominence in an industry typically dominated by white males, Respect Week is intended to make us think, and where possible, turn that thinking into positive action for change. 

Brighton College prides itself on being a tolerant community - Respect Week is a timely reminder that every single one of us needs to work on our levels of tolerance and respect.