Students from Le Rocquier School and a local artist have redesigned outdoor space at Grand Marché St Helier in the lead up to this year’s Channel Islands Pride march.

Three arches on your Society’s flagship store now feature murals designed by local artist Jacques Le Breton and Le Rocquier students based around the themes of pride, diversity and equality.

The murals will stay on the side of Grand Marché St Helier until this year’s Channel Islands Pride march on September 7. The march is now in its fifth year and this year’s theme is Pride on the beach.

To cover the cost of the project the students have been fundraising. Fundraising events have included movie nights, face painting, bake sales, nail art and a raffle. The students have also been writing positive messages to display around the school.

Head teacher at Le Rocquier School, Andy Adkin said: ‘As an Educate & Celebrate accredited school we are keen to promote inclusion and diversity. We feel proud of our students and their achievements and attitudes towards everyone in our society.

‘We are incredibly proud of the hard work and enthusiasm that our students have shown throughout this project and continue to be impressed by their attitudes and positivity. Our school is a diverse and wonderful place and our students are a testament to this. Although this artwork may not be around forever, we hope that the impact and the message that it sends will last.’

The students worked alongside LGBTQ+ Youth Jersey who have been raising awareness about what LGBTQ+ means and helping the students with their fundraising.

Mark Cox, chief operating officer at the Society, said: ‘We are proud to support this project which celebrates diversity and equality but also brings our community closer together. As supporters and sponsors of the Channel Island Pride march, it’s fantastic to be able to get involved in projects such as this alongside a local artist and Le Rocquier students.

‘As a community retailer we celebrate not only the diversity of our communities but what brings us together.’

Le Rocquier School achieved the Educate & Celebrate Award last year. The award is an Ofsted and Education Department recognised award programme which allows those working within the sector the confidence and strategies to implement LGBTQ curriculum.