Pupils' reactions to the course

PDF file: Lesson ideas

Most pupils approach the activities of the course with a mature and sensitive attitude. This creates an atmosphere conducive to positive teaching and learning. The value of this course is evidenced in the enthusiastic discussion and writings of the pupils. The pupils request that their work is displayed on the walls of the corridor so that other year groups can examine the ongoing work of the course.

At the end of the pilot the comments were positive because the Unit resulted in a great deal of discussion in the playground and at home. Some have been included to prove that positive learning and teaching of the subject is possible.

• 'I won't wear a football top to school again.'
• 'I won't let any of my friends tell sectarian jokes.'
• 'Sectarianism is wrong. It just divides us all up.'
• 'I now know when I am being intolerant and I now known I have to change.'
• 'If you are sectarian, you are a kind of racist and I don't like racists.'
• 'My Dad says that this type of learning should be done in the primary school.'

Pupils have their say

The course has been subject to the scrutiny of the department's 'Pupil Curriculum Advisory Group'. This group is created from a year group cohort which will have a future interest in the subject matter. The group has a free hand in evaluating the content and structure of the lessons that constitute the course. This enables the writer to reflect and change methodologies and tasks in an attempt to make the course more accessible to the targeted cohort group. The course attempts to be inclusive of both genders.

Links with other curriculum areas

The pupils have prior knowledge of aspects of the course from other curriculum areas. The English Department teach about the experience of the Great Hunger in Ireland through reading the play, The Black Harvest by Nigel Gray. Modern Studies deliver topics on anti-racism, social justice and inclusion. These topics are addressed and consolidated in the anti-sectarian course.

Local authority support

East Ayrshire Council is supportive of any initiative on the theme of social justice. In the school the course has the support of the senior management team, especially the Headteacher and the Senior Depute Headteacher, who see it as a relevant part of the curriculum.