News Union launches new teaching packs for KS1 and 2 THE NEU has launched Our Histories, a pack aimed at key stages 1 and 2, containing information and teaching ideas for five global equality and cultural events: Martin Luther King Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Chinese New Year, Black History Month and LGBT+ History Month. It was developed before the recent closure of schools, so some ideas may need to be adapted for remote learning. It is not intended to include everything, but there are links to further resources and information. n Visit neu.org.uk/equality to download the teaching pack.
SRtRC course accredited by CPD Certification Service SHOW Racism the Red Card’s (SRtRC) hugely successful online school training course, Promoting Equality and Tackling Racism in Schools, has been officially accredited by The CPD Certification Service. Almost 3,000 educators have taken part in the course, created from 25 years of experience helping anyone who works in an educational setting to overcome the barriers to anti-racism education in the classroom. The course covers four main areas: n understanding what racism is n equipping educators with the tools they need to respond to racist incidents around them n greater understanding of appropriate terminology n the need for a culturally affirming school ethos. SRtRC is the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity. Visit theredcard.org 14
Be seen, be heard, be included IN 2020, race and racism were highlighted by the pandemic and events in the US and UK. The NEU began a rollout of the antiracist framework for schools and published its decolonising education conference report. Organisers and members in nearly all regions held online events and training sessions around the framework and decolonisation of the curriculum. Many others designed sessions highlighting different aspects of race and racism. Next generation of Black leaders London region NEU ran a Black female educators in leadership course last term, led by Aisha Thomas, assistant principal at a Bristol school and director of Representation Matters (see page 15, opposite). It covered a range of topics, including the Black experience; understanding union structures; how to get involved; and going for a promotion. Aisha said: “The course was an amazing opportunity for Black women to share in the richness of their experiences, yet at the same time learn new skills. Here at Representation Matters, we believe that until society represents everyone, the question will always be, do I belong? This course provided the opportunity to be seen, heard and included.” Opportunity to express trauma Often discussions about anti-racist practice focus on ensuring that institutions and educators who lack knowledge or experience get the support, training and information they need. While this is important, we must not neglect those who live with the weight of racism every day. The killing of George Floyd in America last year and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK has been very triggering for Black communities, so it is important that initiatives are set up for those who need an opportunity to express their trauma, in a professional and practical way. We need to see celebration and encouragement. One attendee said: “Thanks ever so much for orchestrating, leading and guiding us in developing our leadership skills and empowering us for our future endeavours.”
educate Your magazine from the National Education Union (NEU)
Aisha (left) and Sharon
PHOTO by Kois Miah
“Until society represents everyone, the question will always be, do I belong?” Aisha Thomas Feima Sannoh, course facilitator and NEU regional officer, said: “It has been really rewarding to engage with reps on this course. It was interesting to hear about their various professional backgrounds, their experience as reps, the challenges that they face in the workplace and their goals for the future. “The reps felt they were in a safe space and were empowered.” Sharon Anderson, senior regional officer, London
