How does the National Curriculum address racism? Response from Stephen Twigg |
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Dear Phil Thank you for your letter of 20 February to Cathy Ashton About the coverage of issue of racism in the National Curriculum (NC). I am responding as I have Ministerial responsibility for citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) in schools. I have read the information that you sent about EKTA with interest. The Government has taken a significant step forward to ensure that the National Curriculum addresses diversity and equality issues. The programme of study for Citizenship education was introduced as a NC subject in secondary schools in September 2002. It ensures that, for the first time all pupils will be taught about the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK and the need for mutual respect and understanding. Within the new national framework for personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship introduced in primary schools in September 2000, pupils will be taught from early age to respect the differences between people, to appreciate other’s feelings and points of view, to recognise the effects of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism and to develop the skills to challenge them assertively. The revised NC reinforces the need to provide a balanced education for all pupils. Teachers will be expected to take specific action and respond to pupils’ diverse needs, including, for example, creating effective learning environments in which racial differences are seen positively by pupils, and whereby negative stereotypes an all forms of harassment, including racial harassment are challenged. Teachers will also be expected to take account of pupils’ specific religious or cultural beliefs relating to the representation of ideas or experiences, and to use materials which are free from discrimination and stereotyping of any type, and to help those pupils for whom English is an additional language. Within Citizenship at Key Stage 4 pupils consider various forms of discrimination, including racism, and how the law protects people who are victims of racism. They reflect on different situations in which they might see or hear about racist behaviour or actions. They devise strategies to help challenge racism, discrimination and stereotypes and recognize the importance of mutual respect and understanding within a diverse society. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has developed and sent schemes of work to all schools to help them to introduce Citizenship. The schemes include specific units on teaching about diversity and racism at all Key Stages. To view the units, visit www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes. For further information and guidance to support teaching of Citizenship please visit www.dfes.gov.uk/citizenship. I hope that this has been helpful to you. Stephen Twigg MP |
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