All year groups across the school took part in Show Racism the Red Card on Friday 18 October, which saw them wear red to raise awareness for the need to fight racism in society.

“All students were invited to be involved from each year group by wearing red to raise awareness of the importance to stand up against racism in society,” said Dan Ward, Assistant Headteacher at Smithdon, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Students were asked to wear their red PE T-shirts for the day in support of the charity.”

Mr Ward also led a whole-school assembly ahead of the event, while, on the day itself, the students took part in a range of activities linked to combating racism in society.

Show Racism the Red Card has become an annual fixture in our school calendar, and was launched in 1996 when the then Newcastle United goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop, became involved with an anti-racism charity in Newcastle.

The campaign has also won support from a host of other professional footballers, including Harry Kane, Lauren James, Jordan Pickford, Beth Mead, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, and Eni Aluko, as well as England Manager Gareth Southgate.

“Celebrating diversity and equality is a key part of our culture at Smithdon High School,” added Mr Ward. “We have an equality pledge at school to which our students can sign up to be a part of and wear their badges with pride.

“Raising awareness of the importance of banishing racism in society fits right in with the school’s equality pledge, along with one of our school’s values – being kind.”