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8 June 2020
As protests continue across the world following the death of George Floyd in police custody, the leader of a top Cornish school says efforts must be renewed to educate the next generations about the need for tolerance and better understanding.
Throwing her support behind the Black Lives Matter movement, Sarah Matthews, the Headmistress of Truro High School, said it is important that everyone strives to create a more fair and equitable society where different cultures and opinions are welcomed and listened to.
Sarah Matthews said: “As a teacher, I believe a vital part of my job is to encourage our students to become global citizens, to develop a real understanding of the world and a tolerance for those who live within it, irrespective of race or ethnicity. The tragedy of George Floyd can never be allowed to happen again; much work still needs to be done and this is something we must work together to achieve.”
“At THS we will not tolerate racism of any kind and this is reflected in all that we do. Our school is made up of girls from many different nationalities, 12 in our boarding community alone, who live and work together as a family. We are proud of our broad and diverse community. In some virtual lessons, the girls have been reflecting on what has taken place in the USA and it is heartening to see that they are as appalled as we are and share our desire for a more positive and inclusive future.”
International students make up an important part of the school population at Truro High. The school increased in size by more than 10% last year with parents keen to sign up their daughters to take advantage of its superb exam results and excellent pastoral care.
In the boarding houses, the growth has been even more significant with the number of students due to be living on site this September 45% higher than it was just two years ago.
Sarah Matthews said: “It is wonderful that so many families can see the benefits of a school that promotes tolerance and understanding. Here in Cornwall we have a very welcoming local community and the warmth that local people show to our boarders from all around the world is a key factor in making them feel at home very quickly. The British families at THS really value the opportunity their daughters have to make friends from around the world, broadening their horizons.”
“International students make a huge financial contribution not only to the running of the school, but also to the local economy through shopping and family visits. Whilst our community of day pupils continues to expand, it is heartening to see that our international community is more than keeping pace enabling both those students, and the school, to thrive at what, for many independent schools, is a very difficult time.”
