Education Scotland has begun providing support materials for schools around the country in a bid to embed values on anti-racism and race equality into all aspects of school life.
The new resource will help ensure that children and young people see more language, content and imagery that reflects the diversity of culture, identities, and experiences, including their own, within society.
Anti-racism charity, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, had also published new guidance, with Spotdec providing a teacher toolkit that aims to support teachers in embedding anti-racism throughout the curriculum.
“Racism of any form has no place in Scotland which is why embedding anti-racism into the ethos and practice of our education system is imperative," said education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.
“This new Education Scotland guidance builds on existing resources available and was developed in collaboration with a range of young people, education practitioners and organisations with lived experience of racism and expertise in addressing it.
“Our schools and our curriculum seek to promote and inspire a sense of belonging, inclusion and social justice for learners, practitioners and the wider community. Having an education system that provides an opportunity for anti-racism learning, debate and leadership is crucial in our attempt to eradicate racism in wider society.”
Risley Avenue Primary in Tottenham, London, offers a good example of a school that has made strides to embed anti-racism within its curriculum, and has worked closely with the Haringey Education Partnership to do so.
Writing in The Parliamentary Review, headteacher Linda Sarr explained how this partnership of 80 schools has bread collaboration and a focus on equality.
"We are working closely with the Haringey Education Partnership to ensure that our offer across the curriculum and all key stages is as strong and inclusive as it can be," she said.
"The Haringey Education Partnership curriculum directly nurtures values, attitudes and dispositions, which enable our pupils to become citizens who will improve our world. As such, three main themes run through this programme: climate change, multiculturalism, diversity and anti-racism and social injustice.
"This partnership is made up of over 80 Haringey schools and we collaborate to improve outcomes for all our children. Raising achievement among Black Caribbean and BAME children is a key focus, and we have signed a HEP pledge, undertaking commitments to give this work priority."
Linda went on to detail how Risley were proud to be part of the inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019, celebrating the life and legacy of Stephen himself.
"The motto “Live your best life” has been championed by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and also encapsulates the spirit of our work at Risley."
"During Black History Month in October 2018, Risley ran a competition to design a sculpture to commemorate Stephen Lawrence’s life and legacy. The winning design, by Rashailah O’Connor, was interpreted by a talented art student at Haringey Sixth Form College. James Dowden’s beautiful and thought-provoking work of art is now a focus of reflection year round in our school garden."
"We take our ambassadorship for Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation very seriously and are proud that our own efforts to challenge inequalities mirror the overarching tenets of their framework for Stephen Lawrence Day. Stephen Lawrence Day is a highlight of the school calendar and a focus for the celebration of our diverse community and our efforts to ensure that we are a truly inclusive community."
