Westleigh Methodist Primary School pupils learn the importance of respecting difference on equality day

Pupils from Westleigh Methodist Primary School in Leigh have taken part in activities to encourage children to understand differences and be kind to others and themselves.

The event also encouraged children to be proud of their own achievements.

Executive head teacher Amy Burkes said: "The day is an opportunity to celebrate how hard the children have worked throughout the term and to encourage every child to be the best that they can be.

"We’re a diverse school so spending time thinking about the importance of diversity and how differences can be positive is important to us.

"We want every child to be happy in our school environment, proud of their own achievements and confident enough to be themselves both in and out of school."

Westleigh Methodist Primary School pupils with Wigan Pride mascot Unity bunny

Wigan Pride Committee vice-chairman Dan Bonney presented awards to pupils for achievements including being kind and helpful, having a positive attitude to learning and being a good role model.

Dan said: "Our theme for this year’s Wigan Pride is the journey towards equality, marking 50 years since the Stonewall riots, which led to the LGBTQ+ community’s determination to strive for equality.

"So it’s been amazing to see the work the school has been doing, encouraging the children to think about equality and celebrate diversity."

Pupil Ashley, 10, was one of the award winners.

She added: "I was really surprised because I didn’t expect to win.

"It felt really nice to get an award.

"It’s important to have awards like this at school because you can see how proud everyone is."

Each year at the school took part in age appropriate activities.

Nursery children decorated eggs.

They also discussed how even though they were now all different on the outside, they were the same on the inside.

A pupils with a poster she created at the equality day event

Young school pupils drew pictures of and talked about their families, while older children discovered their own differences and similarities.

They also investigated the history of some inequalities and made their own posters with positive messages.

Interim assistant director for education at Wigan Council, Cath Pealing, said: "It’s fantastic to see our primary schools celebrating diversity and encouraging equality.

"We want Wigan borough to be a place where every young person feels accepted and valued and learning more about others and respecting differences is a great step towards achieving this."