#SRtRCSpotlight: Scottish Team Engage with Young People Across Falkirk
Falkirk FC players Ben Parkinson & Ethan Williams with young people from Comley Park Primary
With great thanks to Falkirk Council, we recently delivered our foundational Anti-Racism workshops to schools across the Falkirk area. Pupils from Dunipace Primary School, St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School, Comley Park Primary School & Hallglen Primary School took part & engaged incredibly well in each workshop. The pupils delved into understanding key terms such as Bias, Gatekeeping, Stereotyping and Discrimination and how the impacts they can have in our society. Following this, the pupils looked into different ways we can be actively anti-racist not only in school but in our communities too. They showed a fantastic level of understanding and knowledge with a range of thought provoking ideas and questions shared.
Dunipace Primary School
“We had racism workshop in our school yesterday paid for by Falkirk Council. Three classes accessed Show Racism the Red Card Workshops. I want to say thank you very much. I have spoken with staff last night and this morning and they were very impressed with how well the children interacted the with dialogue around racism. I am also delighted at the staff sharing it was further supporting what they had taught in the class. This opportunity further enhanced the curriculum experiences the children have been engaging with at Dunipace. Some of our families have been participating in the marches and protests in relation to the recent local context at the Cladhan. Some of these viewpoints have been spilling into our playground and we are continuing to teach our children how to challenge these comments and perceptions. The teachers are keen to take forward the 5Ds (Direct, Distract, Delegate, Document and Delay) and Kaela (the presenter from racism workshop) is going to share resources to disseminate to the wider staff team. Thanks again for helping us a school community to continue to challenge racism and develop an anti-racist culture.”
“Thank you for the interesting thought-provoking workshop. The children and staff found the Show Racism the Red Card workshop engaging and informative.”
Teacher – Dunipace Primary
Taking feedback from Primary 5 and 7 in particular they said:
“We really enjoyed taking part in the Show Racism the Red Card workshop. The PowerPoint and videos was interesting and helped us understand what racism is and why it is wrong. It was explained in a clear way that made it easy for everyone to follow and learn. We especially liked the interactive parts of the workshop because they gave us the chance to join in, talk share our ideas, and listen to other people’s opinions. This helped us think more deeply and feel confident to speak up. The workshop helped us learn why it is important to treat everyone with kindness, fairness, and respect, no matter who they are or where they come from. It also reminded us that we all have a role to play in standing up against racism and making our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Comley Park Primary School
“I learned that people came on a boat after the war and others were mean to them. I know I can speak directly to someone who is being racist. I also know to check the other person is ok. I can then tell someone or call the police. I enjoyed the session but also felt sad that this can happen”.
Pupil (Oliver, P6)
“The Show Racism the Red Card workshop was a fantastic opportunity for our Rights Knights group to learn more about how to ensure Comely Park is an inclusive and welcoming place for all, something that continues to be a key priority within our diverse learning community. Kayla engaged pupils in a challenging subject at an appropriate level, giving them practical tools to promote anti-racism within and out of school. Following the workshop, pupils were able to reflect thoughtfully on how they will use what they learned to help others. There was also considerable excitement for the visit from Falkirk footballers Ben and Ethan, who took time to interact with pupils, answer their queries and give advice. Thank you for this opportunity.” Member of Staff.
Councillor Iain Sinclair, spokesperson for Education, said:
“Our partnership with Show Racism the Red Card is vitally important in helping our children and young people understand respect and celebrate difference. These sessions support them in challenging racism appropriately if ever they witness or experience it, encouraging positive anti-racism at the earliest stage.
“This work is crucial in helping our communities come together and further supports the vibrancy that is present within our schools in an age and stage appropriate way.”
Billy Singh, Campaign Manager at Show Racism the Red Card added:
“We’re proud to continue working in partnership with Falkirk schools to support young people to understand racism, challenge stereotypes, feel confident speaking up and how to be active anti-racists.
“The engagement we see in these sessions shows that pupils are keen to learn, ask questions and play a positive role in making their schools inclusive and welcoming places for everyone.”
Falkirk FC players Ben Parkinson & Ethan Williams with young people from Comley Park Primary