Star of stage and screen, Sir Ian McKellen, visited Norton Hill School to much excitement last Friday, as part of the 'Celebrating Differences Day', an annual event held at the school. Students spent the day learning about 'Celebrating Difference and Diversity' through activities and workshops in Philosophy and Belief, Drama and English.
The day enabled students to reflect on the positive impact difference makes to society and learnt that celebrating differences can encourage better understanding of themselves and others, as well as promoting tolerance, respect and community cohesion.
Norton Hill School had the fantastic opportunity to welcome Sir Ian McKellen as a guest speaker as a key part of the day's events. The Lord of the Rings, Hobbit and X Men star visited as part of the Stonewall School Champions work, campaigning against homophobic bullying. McKellen is a co-founder of Stonewall, a charity which is based in the UK. He has always been a public figure in raising awareness of LGBT by challenging and upholding laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. He has always been passionately committed to ensuring legal and social equality for gay people across the world.
On arrival, Sir Ian McKellen was greeted by Year 13 students, Shyam Sawhney and Hannah Goodyer, who took him to meet with the school's 'Anti-bullying Mentors' where he was shown the incredible work the mentors do at Norton Hill to support any student who experiences any form of bullying, including homophobia. McKellen said that he was "impressed" at how much the students were involved and were driving the mentor scheme. He also commended the school and the Headteacher for supporting such a worthwhile initiative. Speaking after the visit, Shyam Sawhney, Head Boy at Norton Hill, said: "It wasn't just Sir Ian's acting career that inspired the students at Norton Hill, but his life-long dedication to combat LGBT discrimination. I hope the students recognise the issues raised and get involved with the school's numerous projects to tackle and to eradicate homophobic bullying permanently."
As part of Sir Ian McKellen's visit, the actor and campaigner presented assemblies to both Year 8 and 9 students about his experiences of dealing with homophobia. He spoke passionately about how he was involved in the successful lobbying of 'Section 28' of the Local Government Act. After his inspiring presentation, he welcomed questions from the students which ranged from, 'What age did you come out?', 'Did being gay effect your job?' and 'Did your confidence to say you were gay, make you become a more confident actor?'
Head of Philosophy and Belief and PSHE, Sian Gunton, said: "It was an incredible experience for our students, to witness such a moving and inspirational talk on challenging homophobia from such a positive, public role model. I know it is a message that our students will keep with them throughout their time at Norton Hill and in the future."
Year 9 student, Jemma Young, commented: "Meeting Sir Ian McKellen was fantastic! Hearing about his experiences and his advice has been really inspirational."
The actor also appeared at Chew Valley School to continue talks on awareness and stamping out bullying. A video of his visit on the Chew Valley School YouTube page shows him referencing his famous line from the Lord of the Rings to encourage pupils to study. Find out what happens if you do not revise at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZf0Q-v3u-k">www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZf0Q-v3u-k
Talking about his visit on Twitter, Sir Ian McKellen commended the schools on their exceptional work to eradicate bullying.