Reclaiming Radical Ideas in Schools

Book excerpt: Reclaiming Radical Ideas in Schools provides support for every primary school in the provision of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC), the teaching of British values and preparation for life in modern Britain. Providing practical and tried-and-tested strategies, this resource will help primary schools work together to create an inclusive environment that focuses on reducing radicalisation and radical ideas. It will support schools in creating an ethos for young children where their questions about the world are explored and answered without fear or discrimination. Moffat is the author of No Outsiders in Our School: Teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools which provides teachers with a curriculum that promotes equality for all sections of the community. Using the ‘No Outsiders’ model as a foundation, this new book complements it by putting emphasis on engaging parent communities in the school ethos. The resource includes 13 lesson plans to deliver with children and their parents in school-based workshops, with homework activities to follow. Each lesson is based around a picture book and includes fun activities alongside discussion of issues on individual differences; including race, gender and sexuality. The resource also provides guidance on how to deliver assemblies that support the ‘No Outsiders’ ethos and how to approach discussing terrorism with children. This is an invaluable resource for anyone working in a primary school setting, as well as trainee teachers, ITT providers and educational advisors. The aim is to extend the successful ‘No Outsiders’ ethos beyond the school gates to the community to ensure that we are working together to develop a safe and cohesive British society.