Education leaders in Sunderland discussed how best to tackle issues such as racism in schools today (Wednesday, November 29) at a special conference in the city.
The Race and Cultural Diversity in Schools event brought together education experts from the University of Sunderland and teachers throughout the city to promote the need for diversity in schools.
The conference emphasised the important role schools and teachers can play relating to the promotion of diversity, with particular reference to anti-racist work in schools.
The purpose of the event was to share examples of good practice in relation to diversity and assess future training needs.
A group of youngsters from Thornhill Business and Enterprise School addressed diversity related issues through a performance by their group THE WORD.
THE WORD is a hip-hop and rap group comprising rappers Amer Sheikh (chemistry teacher), ex-Thornhill student Brentt Barker, Kudzai Chiremba (Year 11) and Sophie Forster (Year 10).
The group’s show informs young people about cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity; about the problems of discrimination, bullying, racism and drug and alcohol abuse; and seeks to inspire young people to follow their dreams and aspirations.
There was also a talk from Sarah Soyei from the Show Racism the Red Card organisation.
One of the speakers at the event was University of Sunderland Chancellor Lord Puttnam. He said: “It is my belief that the social and cultural diversity of Sunderland adds to the depth of vitality of the city. Collectively we have the power to change hearts and minds, and this conference is an important part of that.”
The University of Sunderland is involved in a number of projects to promote equality and diversity in schools and further afield.
Dr Elizabeth Atkinson, from the university’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning, is leading a national project to help tackle homophobic bullying in primary schools.
Last year Dr Atkinson organised a seminar at the Institute of Education, University of London, which explored the factors which can make life hard for children, parents and teachers in primary schools.
The seminar, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, is the first of six events exploring this theme, to be hosted by the universities of Sunderland, London, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Cardiff. The seminars will be attended by teachers, policymakers, researchers and community groups.
“Many people don’t realise that homophobia is a part of the everyday lives of young children and their families,” says Dr Atkinson.
“If it’s not stopped at an early stage, the effects can be lasting and painful. The purpose of the seminar series is to make these problems clear, and to offer ways of doing something about it.”