Sep-28 8:30pm ABC-TV: The School That Tried to End Racism

Read on for article

In the second week of a bold new programme aimed at stopping racism in its tracks, aclass of 9–11-year-old students explore the impact of racism, and the complexities of identity and representation in history and in pop culture.

It’s week two of an experimental three-week school pilot programme designed to reduce racism in an ordinary class of primary school students.

Hosted by Marc Fennell and guided by a team of educators, this week is a chance for the students to expand their knowledge of racism, learn how it works and how they can stand up to it.

They start the week in a giant hedge maze, hidden inside are four treasure chests. For those who find one they will receive a huge prize that will be the envy of the entire class.

But when the winners are asked if they are prepared to share their special privilege for their classmates, we will find out how hard inclusiveness can be.

This will result in a deeper conversation where students will reveal their own personal stories about inclusion and for those who have not experienced being excluded it will be an eye-opening experience.

The teachers will gain an insight into how history can embrace different perspectives when they embark on a tour of Sydney’s statues with Associate Professor Anna Clark. They’ll discover there is a more accurate account of Australia’s colonial past that is important in understanding our Country’s history and building an understanding of Indigenous history.

Then the kids will be joined by comedian Nazeem Hussain who will spend a session with the students looking at how race is portrayed on screen.

The final lesson for the week is an experiment aimed at cultural exchange and growing cross-group friendships. Will this simple task allow the students to talk more freely about cultural difference?

Speak Your Mind

Comments received without a full name will not be considered
Email addresses are NEVER published! All comments are moderated. J-Wire will publish considered comments by people who provide a real name and email address. Comments that are abusive, rude, defamatory or which contain offensive language will not be published

Got something to say about this?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.