All schools have had a duty to promote community cohesion since 2007. 

The key publications and websites suggested here will support thinking about what this means for you and your school.  Many of the websites recommended also have resources sections. For those just starting out, I would highly recommend the resources Here, there and everywhere and Holding together as good starting points.

This article supports the handbook Enabling global learning through the KS3 curriculum, in particular the section Enabling a curriculum with wider purpose.

Click here for further information about this resource.

Background information

Guidance on the duty to promote community cohesion

A copy of the final guidance report can be downloaded from the teachernet website along with a resource pack and case studies. 
www.teachernet.gov.uk

Diversity and Citizenship Review

Offers analysis of key issues for schools in supporting work on diversity and identity issues. Available from www.teachernet.gov.uk

Websites

Who do we think we are?

Organises Who do we think we are week?, one of the recommendations from the Diversity and Citizenship Review, with supporting website to engage teachers in the exploration of identity, diversity and citizenship with children and young people.

www.wdwtwa.org.uk

Multiverse

Provides teachers with a comprehensive range of resources focusing on the educational achievements of pupils from diverse backgrounds.

www.multiverse.ac.uk

Runnymede

Aims to promote a successful multi-ethnic Britain. Publishes handbooks, briefing papers, research reports and a newsletter Runnymede Bulletin. Also publishes the Real Histories Directory, an online resource tool for teachers, parents and pupils to encourage teaching and learning about cultural diversity across the UK

www.runnymedetrust.org

www.realhistories.org.uk

Play your part: Improve your community

A toolkit for active citizenship

An online toolkit for teachers to encourage pupils to play an active role in community projects.  The activities can be used as a scheme of work, for an off-timetable day or for the basis of an after school club.

http://citizenship.hcaacademy.co.uk/index.php

Britkid

Britkid is a website about race, racism, and growing up in Britain, aimed at young people.

www.britkid.org

Institute of community cohesion

iCoCo’s founding partners are four universities, Coventry, Warwick, Leicester and De Montfort, commissioned by the DCSF to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for cohesion practitioners. The wesbite offers toolkits, reports, guidance and case studies.

www.cohesioninstitute.org.uk

Schools linking network

Linking with another school in the UK can contribute to building understanding between and within communities. This site offers support for school linking within the UK through local authorities, directly with schools via the National Gateway and by offering courses, resources and advice.  

www.schoolslinkingnetwork.org.uk

Connecting Histories

This website shares some of the experiences and histories of Birmingham's different communities. The learning pages offer five packages sharing material from Birmingham’s archives. The Birmingham Stories section aims to extend awareness of the diverse histories of the city by making research on archive collections available to the public.              

www.connectinghistories.org.uk

Trentham Books
Publishes a wide range of resources for teachers on race equality, and a journal Race Equality Teaching. A few titles are recommended below.

www.trentham-books.co.uk

Here ,There and Everywhere ~ belonging, identity and equality in school

Developed from a partnership between schools in Derbyshire.  Considers six ‘big ideas’ and identifies opportunities and openings for exploring them, in each subject area.
Robin Richardson

See also Talking about whole school issues to improve inclusion Robin Richardson’s presentation to a Tide~ conference.

Holding Together ~ equalities, difference and cohesion    

Offers valuable guidance for school improvement planning.  Schools have responsibilities to promote equality in relation to disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexuality and to promote community cohesion.  This book demonstrates how these strands, and those of social class and global citizenship, can be woven together and harmonised with each other. It shows how they can be applied to all curriculum areas and to the organisation of the school itself.  Used alongside Here, there and everywhere these resources offer stimulus for discussion with colleagues, practical ideas for the classroom and a holistic approach to equality and cohesion issues.
Robin Richardson

What do we tell the children? ~ Confusion, conflict and complexity   

Supports teachers – who may themselves be uncomfortable and confused – to talk to children about the sensitive and complex issues that partly derive from conflict connected to religious beliefs, political ideologies and philosophical life stances.  It suggests ways for teachers to respond, and the words to use.
Angela Gluck Wood

We’re all white thanks ~ the persisting myth about ‘white’ schools   

Discusses recent ideas and strategies that support those seeking positive change in schools and communities. Includes suggestions for staff training and resources.
Chris Gaine

Equality stories ~ recognition, respect and raising achievement   

A practical handbook for planning, staff training and professional development. The book tells the story of high quality inservice training on race equality issues and provides a model for other schools to follow.
Robin Richardson and Berenice Miles         

One in three Wolverhampton City Council   

Celebrating equalities, diversity and inclusion for children and young people in Wolverhampton. Newsletter currently available to Wolverhampton schools via the intranet. Latest issue available electronically by request.  Click here for an article about the newsletter Education for equality in Wolverhampton.         

Email: judy.boyle@wolverhampton.gov.uk