brigid murray adviser environment & society. programme outline 1. introduction- context;...
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Brigid Murray Adviser Environment & Society
Programme outline1. Introduction- context; rationale; aims;
objectives; intended outcomes2. The guidance notes and their implications3. Quality indicator framework4. Examples of practice/ current projects in
schools 5. Support to schools
Our future‘We make our future….it is not made’
Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet
What is our vision for the future?
What kind of society do we want in Northern Ireland in 2025?
How can we contribute to bringing about the changes we wish to see?
What is the role of formal educational settings in bringing about change in our society?
Rationale for CRED policy
Evolution of community relations policy since the 1980s
Society in Northern Ireland is much more diverse than 20 years ago
Sectarianism, racism and bullying are examples of social problems which need to be addressed in our society
St Andrew’s Agreement
Context Overarching aim of the current programme
for Government is to build ‘a fair and prosperous society for all’
NI curricula (formal & informal) aim to develop in young people knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities that they may encounter in an increasingly diverse society
Teachers are able to address issues of diversity in citizenship and PDMU
JEDI initiative in youth
Department of Education documentationPolicy document entitled ‘Community Relations,
Equality and Diversity in Education’ (March 2011)Community Relations, Equality and Diversity Policy
Guidance notes ( January 2012)Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in
Education Policy Quality Indicator Framework (January 2012)
DE Circular 2012/02 Guidance to Schools and Youth Service on the Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education Policy (January 2012)
www.deni.gov.uk
CREDAims of the policy
Contribute to improving relations between communities by educating children and young people to develop self respect, respect for others, promote equality and work to eliminate discrimination.
Provide formal and non-formal opportunities to build relationships with those of different backgrounds and traditions within resources available.
CRED
Objectives of the policy: Develop understanding and respect for rights,
equality and diversity of all without discrimination
Value and respect differences and engage positively with them
Equip children/young people with required skills attitudes and behaviours
Intended Outcomes
Understand and respect the rights, equality and diversity (including linguistic diversity) of all
Develop skills, attitudes and behaviours to value and respect difference and engage positively with it
Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education Policy
Scope of the policyWhat is your understanding of the following terms:DiversityEqualityCommunity relations?
Are these themes currently addressed in school life and if so, in what ways?
DefinitionsDiversity is about recognising individual as well as
group differences, treating people as individuals and placing value on diversity in the community.
Equality is about creating an equal society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Community Relations is to encourage greater cross-community contact and co-operation; to support, encourage and develop mutual understanding and to promote recognition of and respect for cultural diversity.
Source: page 42 Guidance notes
Core principles of the policyChild-centredResponsive to the needs of childrenProgressionParticipationExperiential learningMeaningful interaction between different
groups
Core principles of the policyDifferentiationComplementaryCollaborationImprove the outcomes for young people,
society and economyDissemination of good practice
Wider definition of Community Relations – all section 75 groups:Religious belief Political opinionRaceAgeMarital statusSexual orientationGender DisabilityBetween persons with dependants and persons without
Key changes from Community Relations Policy
Current context in schoolsKey policy driver – Every School A Good
School A Policy for School Improvement
New school development planning regulations (2011) Importance of ethos is highlighted.
Collaboration between schools
Whole school approach
CRED Policy
Follows the characteristics from Every School a Good School
Child centred provision
High quality teaching and learning
Effective leadership
A school connected to its local community
Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education PolicyPost-Primary Schools
Sits naturally in LLW within Citizenship
Can be addressed through all other curriculum areas
Embed the work within the school context, it is no longer an ‘optional add-on’
Potential areas of workBest practice within CRED may include (but not be limited to):Single identity work within a cultural contextContact between young people from diverse cultures/backgroundsReaching out to specific Section 75 groupsExploring similarities and differenceChallenging prejudice
CRED Enhancement SchemeTotal BELB budget approximately £110k split
equally across schools/youth
Applications will open in the summer term for 2012/13
Schools complete project report by 1st June 2013
Forms available at www.credni.org in term 3
CRED Policy – Guidance notes
Purpose of the Guidance Document
To support the delivery of CRED policy and the challenges that may arise
To align the work of CRED with the school improvement agenda and related policiesTo align the work of CRED with priorities for
youthTo support the change of focus away from ‘old’
concept of community relations to include equality and diversity
Quality Indicator FrameworkTo support the implementation of the CRED
policy, the Department has developed a set of quality indicators to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policy on children and young people and their communities.
Department has developed the self evaluation framework to assist educators in evaluating CRED related issues within their own context and help in action planning.
The 8 Areas1. Educational provision: outcomes for participants2. Participants’ learning experiences: achievements
and standards3. Quality of external links 4. Leadership and management5. Quality of effective use of resources (value for
money)6. Quality of pastoral care and ethos 7. Quality of child protection and the protection of
vulnerable adults 8. Equality of opportunity
Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education Policy
Resources
Training and capacity building of workforce
Dissemination of good practice and materials
Targeted support for meaningful interaction
Examples of support organisationsAfrican and Caribbean Community Support
Organisation www.acsoni.org
Schools Library Service based in Ulidia
Artsekta www.artsekta.org.uk 02890 310125This organisation uses arts-based programmes
to explore cultural diversity and develop cultural understanding and healthy inter-community relationships.