#SRtRCSpotlight: Southern Team visits Kings Furlong in Basingstoke, Hampshire

We visited Kings Furlong where our educators Francis Duku and Paul Roberts started the day with an assembly and then delivered our Fans of the Future – Anti-Racism Programme for Primary Schools for all of their pupils based in Year 4 through to Year 6.

The Fans of the Future programme introduces primary school students to the principles of anti-racism, helping them build the skills and understanding necessary to recognise and challenge discrimination. Through engaging activities, videos, and guided discussions, the programme fosters an early appreciation for diversity and respect, equipping students to be proactive allies in their schools and communities.

The workshop started with pupils discussing what racism is, defining racism before they explored how and why racism remains a problem in society. Next, they examined why people still demonstrate racist behaviours, where we learn these ideas, with discussion on newspapers, social media, and how these influence us.

The classes then discussed the power of language, the historical context behind racialised language they may have heard in class, and why those words are inappropriate to use.

The workshops received very positive comments from staff;

“The children really benefitted from understanding that it is okay to talk about different skin colour.” Year 4 teacher

“It was good to challenge stereotypes and to understand the terms of discrimination and different types of racism.” Year 6 teacher

“Paul and Francis built relationships with the children quickly, this meant the children were able to have honest conversations with each other.” Year 6 teacher

The young people themselves also commented on their experiences of the day;

“It was a great confidence boost, it was good to see other adults who are black in the school talking about racism.” Year 6 pupil.

“It reminded me that you should be proud of your nationality.” Year 5 pupil.

And finally, Kings Furlong Head teacher, Amanda Westaway said;

“Paul and Francis were adept at communicating situations and experiences in a way that resonated with the children. The entire school assembly sparked meaningful conversations among the children, which were then explored more deeply in the class workshops. Both children and staff shared how beneficial the workshops were in addressing discrimination. When speaking with some of the children afterwards, many expressed feeling ‘seen’ and ‘represented,’ and felt that they needed to take more pride when celebrating their heritage and culture.”