Welcome to: South East Teacher Training Day Milton Keynes 30 th April 2010

Breaking Down the Barriers Milton Keynes 30 th April 2010 Sarah Soyei

“But surely racism is not really an issue nowadays?” 2009 Survey for Teachers TV 46% of teachers who responded stated that race related bullying was a problem in their school. 68% of them also stated that their school had no strategy to combat this bullying “I don’t know a single black person who hasn’t been attacked at least verbally and most physically” School Leaver 2002

“But we don’t have any ” Research sponsored by the DfES in mainly white schools found that: 25 per cent of the pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds in the sample had experienced racist name-calling within the previous seven days. A third of the pupils of minority ethnic backgrounds reported experiences of hurtful name-calling and verbal abuse either at school or during the school journey Half of these (one in six overall) the harassment was continuing or had continued over an extended period of time.

“The PC Brigade Again….You know you’re not allowed to sing Baa, Baa Black Sheep any more….” “Oh it’s the PC Brigade Again….You know you’re not even allowed to sing Baa, Baa Black Sheep any more?….”

“But I don’t notice colour… I treat all pupils the same”

“But I don’t need this training… I’m not racist” Every teacher brings a set of cultural norms and practices to the classroom which affects their attitudes and behaviour. We all have prejudice which comes from a variety of sources: upbringing, media, work colleagues, neighbourhood, religion, experiences etc. Many of these prejudices are so deep they are often sub- conscious. We can do something about our prejudices, by being aware if them and finding out more information to dispel them.

Have you ever got near them? They must really stink! According to the statistics, they only take a bath once a fortnight. They can’t make money, they have no jobs at home, so they come over here to mess up our economy and take our jobs. And why is there so much unemployment in their own country? Because they’re a lazy lot, who don’t want to work. Well let them be warned, they won’t be allowed to live on social security here. The Sydney Star1981

Many refugees are arriving in this country, and in the majority of cases are being turned back...once it was known that Britain offered sanctuary to all who cared to come, the floodgates would be opened and we should be inundated by thousands seeking a home...our own professions are already overcrowded and have been further strained by arrivals in the last few years from Central Europe. Daily Mail1938

Creating Equality in the Classroom Reflect on expectations and assumptions Provide a culturally affirming curriculum Address racism Explore ways to raise attainment Access advice and support

Thanks for listening! Thank You for Listening! Show Racism the CardRED