Educators from SRtRC visited Kingsmoor Academy as part of a programme funded by the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner.
SRtRC visited Kingsmoor Academy in Harlow to talk to students about hate crime
Today was thoroughly enjoyable - what a warm and welcoming school. The children were very responsive and open about discussions in relation to hate crime.Manisha Tailor, SRtRC educator
Show Racism the Red Card is conducting workshops at 36 schools in Essex to work with young people on hate crime and racism, and to encourage increased reporting and keeping safe.
Staff and students at Kingsmoor academy in Harlow yesterday welcomed educators Manisha Tailor and Clint Easton into their school. The day kicked off with an assembly where the students watched our DVD and received an introduction to the day. The year 5 and 6 students then split into classes and participated in workshops with Clint and Manisha discussing racism and specific topics such as terminology and stereotyping. "When the children were working together they respected each other and accepted their differences without question". - Mrs B Agnoli, Kingsmoor Academy, Harlow
The students then took part in a workshop that bought the focus to hate crime, what it is and how to report it.
“Year 6 were very engaged all day and I felt that Manisha made them think deeply about their views and opinions on Hate Crime. I think it was aimed right – not too hard, or adult.” - Miss Shore, Year 6, Kingsmoor Academy, Harlow.
The students are taught about protected characteristics and encouraged to talk about empathy and understanding. The students really felt that they had learned a lot, with the year 6 students saying “In the Show Racism the Red Card sessions we have learnt the proper definition of a hate crime and how to deal with it. We now know that a hate crime is not just about race, but it also links to religion, disability and being gay or lesbian. We spoke about words that relate to feelings such as: tolerance, empathy self-esteem, confidence and sadness.”
Of course no SRtRC workshop day would be complete without our fitness sessions! These aren’t just about having fun, but encouraging students to work with others, listen and be respectful. Students said “In our football fitness session we were encouraged to work and co-operate with those we may not normally work with and it helped us to work in a team. It was fun!”
Schools will always get the most out of our workshops when they are committed to the day and the message, and Kingsmoor certainly was. Manisha in particular was impressed with the school and students saying "Today was thoroughly enjoyable - what a warm and welcoming school. The children were very responsive and open about discussions in relation to hate crime. Many in year 6 shared their personal stories relating to having a learning difficulty or disability and how they have felt when treated un-fairly. We also spoke about current affairs across the world and the role young people have within our wider society"
We would like to thank Kingsmoor Academy for welcoming us to their school; and to the PCC and Essex Police who are providing funding and support for these workshops.