Last week, St. Catherine’s British School joined schools and organisations around the world in celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative founded by Siena Castellon in 2018. Neurodiversity Week helps children understand that every brain works differently, and that these differences bring unique strengths and perspectives to our community.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how our brains work. People think, learn, process information and communicate in different ways, and these differences are a normal and valuable part of human diversity. The term is often used as an umbrella to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (DCD), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD, while encouraging a balanced view of everyone's strengths and challenges.

Throughout the week, students across the school took part in activities and discussions that encouraged understanding, empathy and curiosity about different ways of thinking and learning.

EYFS: Stories that celebrate individuality

As part of the celebrations, our Reception students took part in small-group story sessions with a special guest reader, Maria P., who was our school’s counsellor Ms Grigoratos student in 2007 and is on the autism spectrum. The sessions were calm, engaging and thoughtfully delivered, and the children responded with great curiosity .

The children enjoyed a selection of meaningful stories that introduced ideas of individuality, confidence and empathy in an age-appropriate way. These included:

• All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum, which introduces autism in a gentle and relatable way
• The Dot, encouraging children to believe in themselves and take creative risks
• Clive Penguin, a story about celebrating individuality and having the courage to be yourself
• The Missing Piece, exploring feelings of difference and the idea that everyone is growing and learning

Experiences like this encourage children to develop empathy, celebrate their own individuality and build inclusive friendships from a young age.

Lower School: Learning about understanding, empathy and inclusion

In Lower School, students explored neurodiversity through a range of in-class and specially designed activities and discussions designed to build awareness and understanding,

During Lunch Bunch: Friendship Ambassadors with our School Welfare Counsellor Ms Grigoratos, Year 5 students explored the concept of neurodiversity and reflected on how people may learn, think and respond differently. They considered how small actions, such as including others, showing patience and taking time to understand someone else’s perspective, can help everyone feel a sense of belonging.

A special assembly further deepened students’ understanding by exploring how each person is unique and that differences in learning and thinking can have names such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism and Tourette syndrome.

Students were also delighted to welcome Ms Nomikos, a St. Catherine's parent and author, who shared her new children’s book Tassim. The story follows a young boy’s journey with dyslexia and the challenges he faces along the way. Through the support of his family, teachers and friends, he learns to overcome difficulties. The story highlighted an important message: although our journeys may be different and sometimes require extra time or support, everyone has the potential to succeed.

Lower School students also welcomed Dr Aggelakis, a neuropsychologist, who spoke to Year 5 about neurological differences and shared helpful strategies for managing anxiety, including ways to stay calm and pause before reacting.

Upper School: Conversations, assemblies and student voice

In Upper School, students engaged in meaningful conversations and activities that encouraged reflection on neurodiversity and inclusion.

During The Breakfast Club: Connections and Conversations with Ms Grigoratos, students explored the theme of neurodiversity in a welcoming and respectful environment. They shared thoughts and personal experiences, reflecting on how recognising and valuing differences helps create a stronger and more supportive community. The session also had a warm sense of community, with students bringing treats to share while connecting with one another.

Our Upper School also welcomed Ms Nomikos who was invited by Ms Athanasiadi KS3 Learning Support Coordinator to present her book to Year 8 students and speak about her personal journey with dyslexia. Her talk highlighted both the challenges and strengths associated with learning differences, while encouraging students to embrace their unique ways of thinking.

Assemblies and form sessions throughout the week further expanded these conversations. KS3 students participated in a dedicated Neurodiversity form period, while KS4 students explored key concepts such as the strengths associated with ADHD and dyslexia, neurodiversity in the workplace, and the importance of inclusive language.

A particularly powerful moment came during the KS4 assembly, when Year 10 student Eva Jovanovic presented her TEDxSt Cats Youth talk, “The Story My Brain Tells: A Journey Through Neuroscience and Autism.” Her presentation offered thoughtful insights and encouraged students to reflect on how greater understanding can lead to a more inclusive and supportive community.

Throughout the week, St. Catherine’s students were reminded that our differences are not obstacles, but strengths that enrich our community. By encouraging curiosity, empathy and understanding, Neurodiversity Celebration Week helped reinforce the importance of creating a school environment where every individual feels valued, supported and empowered to be themselves.