Minutes:
Anju asked if there was any way SACRE could do something relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement. Angela said that NATRE had issued a statement on BLM, which could be shared with teachers. Anju referred to our discussions about collective worship and although it is for Christianity she wondered if the SACRE could do something to involve all religions,. Stephen asked Angela to share resources mentioned. Stephen is writing a scheme of work which he will share, looking at black history and culture in a positive light, eg explorers, astronauts, fashion designers, engineers, musicians, literature, etc.. David suggested that pupils as well as teachers need to have resources and that the SACRE needs to visit schools and/or send something out to demonstrate our positive support. Shira expressed concern about being political, as there are some aspects of BLM in UK which are political. The BLM movement in the US had a mixed relationship with the Jewish community. Shira suggested that a positive idea would be to open up a conversation about experiences of racism which children may have had, as many children are oblivious to racism. They would learn from each other and increase their empathy; possibly more a PSHE matter but a valuable learning. Stephen reassured Shira that the SACRE would not endorse visiting specific websites or endorse BLM as a campaign group. There will be resources available and it would be useful to suggest that teachers review their schemes of work around prejudice and discrimination, highlighting antisemitism, Islamaphobia etc..
David agreed we should not endorse the campaign group but should emphasise the wrongness of discrimination on any grounds and reinforce positive black role models identified in the curriculum. Groups or organisations where people from different religious backgrounds work together would also be positive examples to promote.
Shahid said that as a lot of young people learn via social media, could SACRE have a YouTube channel? It could be available to staff and students and resources would not be scattered. Stephen responded that at the last hub meeting there was discussion about using Google Drive to upload resources where teachers could have access. YouTube is a good idea but how would we manage it? Stephen will take this to the next hub meeting. Maybe we could have a hub-wide platform and share all resources across Berkshire. Action: Stephen to take the resources platform idea to the Hub for discussion.
Beth asked if the LA is thinking of doing anything about BLM in schools? Sal replied that the Chief Executive made a statement in respect of BLM; Sal has communicated with heads about this in daily updates, ensuring they’re aware of how to communicate with pupils and staff following recent events and respond to ongoing events. Sal said that any additional supportive information that the SACRE wanted to share with schools would be welcome.
Emily added that she has also compiled a list of anti-racism materials for schools, including more specifically about recent events for older students, which has been published in Education News. She will add to it as she finds more and anything the SACRE can add will be welcome. Stephen asked members to send any additional material to Emily for Education News.
Stephen thanked everyone for their time and effort.
The meeting finished at 19.50.