At Uplands we seek to educate our children, staff, parents, and the greater community to honour diversity and to demonstrate the transformation in a real and dynamic way. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. Indeed, Respect is a core Uplands’ value, along with Relationships, Integrity and Faith. To live out our values in a meaningful way means understanding that each individual is unique. We, therefore, recognise our diverse community. At Uplands, we are able to explore and learn about our differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. As a school community, we are moving beyond tolerance to embrace and to celebrate diversity.
Transformation
Transformation in South Africa is conceptualised as the re-orientation from past values and practices to a future defined by non-racialism, non-sexism and social relationships based on greater observance of human rights and more equity. Transformation should be used as a strategy for creating excellent, relevant and socially just schools. This involves a journey at both a school and personal level.
Diversity
Diversity refers to the mixture, assortment, variety and range of people and their characteristics. It refers to the wide variety of characteristics that describe people as unique beings, including race, culture, ability, age, ethnicity, nationality, language, gender, religion, geographic region, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and health status.
Inclusion
Hand-in-hand with diversity at Uplands, Inclusion is the practice of providing everyone with equal opportunities and access to resources. Inclusion efforts at Uplands help to give traditionally marginalised groups a means to feel equal in the workplace. Inclusive actions at Uplands, like creating information sessions and staff resource groups regarding certain topics, make the workplace a safer, more respectful environment.
