Anti-sectarianism
The Executive's work to tackle sectarianism in Scotland looks at ways to help children learn from each other, and to support them in breaking down the barriers that they may perceive between themselves and other children. Part of this is to promote opportunities for twinning between denominational and non-denominational schools. Twinning will allow children and young people to get a better understanding of each other's backgrounds and foster friendship between the pupils.
A seminar was held in May 2006 between the Executive, local authorities, and the Scottish Catholic Education Service. It highlighted the role twinning can play in tackling sectarianism and in bringing communities together. It also allowed head teachers and other education professionals to share good practice and their experiences of running effective twinning arrangements.
In December 2006, the Executive produced a guide to promote twinning between denominational and non-denominational Schools. Building Friendships and Strengthening Communities is aimed at education professionals who want to become involved in twinning. It provides ideas, suggestions and good practice examples to support them in establishing twinning projects.
Education has a key role to play in challenging sectarianism and religious intolerance in Scotland. A resource aimed at early years, primary and secondary has already been developed to provide teachers and others who work with young people with material they can use to raise awareness of sectarianism and religious intolerance and encourage better mutual understanding. Material has been designed with a broad focus for use across Scotland and is not confined to issues around football in urban areas.
It includes a range of practical materials for use in classrooms and in group work settings including:
- teaching and group work material
- good practice examples from early years, primary, secondary and youth work
- context, legislation and historical information
- drama exercises
- lesson ideas
- games and quizzes
- other resources
See the resource for anti-sectarian education for more information.
Further anti-sectarian teaching material has been now been developed, including a training DVD and a revamped website.