The Chartered College of Teaching offers our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the three girls, tragically killed in Southport, and to all those affected by this senseless violence. We in the education community stand with the people of Southport in their grief.
We are horrified by the hate and division that we have seen in many cities across the UK in the wake of this tragedy. The Chartered College of Teaching is committed to inclusion and diversity, and rejects the racism, Islamophobia, extremism and misinformation that is fuelling this rioting. We offer solidarity to all who are affected by these events, and those who are targets of racism in any form.
We know that schools are already doing a fantastic job to support their pupils often under very challenging circumstances
As children and young people return to education in September, a great deal of work will be needed to counter the divisive rhetoric that has erupted, and to ensure that schools and colleges remain places of safety and stability for pupils and staff alike. We know that schools are already doing a fantastic job to support their pupils often under very challenging circumstances; we are all too aware that many in the education profession face racist and divisive rhetoric on a daily basis, and dealing with its impact can be overwhelming.
This is not about expecting schools to solve all the problems of society. There are others who must take the lead, but education is a key part of building back strong and caring communities, and schools are affected by these issues on a daily basis.
This is not about expecting schools to solve all the problems of society. There are others who must take the lead, but education is a key part of building back strong and caring communities, and schools are affected by these issues on a daily basis.
We believe that schools and colleges will need targeted support – and a strong voice – if they are to provide the teaching and the care that is needed in these challenging times. The approach to support must be developed in partnership with teachers and leaders so that it reflects the lived experience in schools and colleges, takes into account the support – including funding – that schools will actually need, and does not create an unmanageable burden for already over-stretched staff.
The Chartered College of Teaching has therefore recommended that the government urgently convenes a working group of practising, expert teachers and leaders, to look at what schools can do to help, and the support they may need, in both the short and long term.
The Chartered College of Teaching has therefore recommended that the government urgently convenes a working group of practising, expert teachers and leaders, to look at what schools can do to help, and the support they may need, in both the short and long term. Many schools are developing highly innovative and effective approaches and these should be shared and showcased. We support, too, the development of an inclusive and diversified curriculum, as part of ethical leadership of schools. As suggested by the NEU, the review of the curriculum which is just getting underway must consider carefully the role of the curriculum in building the necessary knowledge and skills for young people to live together in their communities, as part of a long-term, principled conversation.
9 Comments
Rachel Tomlinson
August 9, 2024 at 4:04 pm -I absolutely agree. Would love to be able to contribute to this too.
Jagdeep Singh
August 9, 2024 at 4:30 pm -We are a nation of many different backgrounds and faiths but it is important to remember that our nationality is British. A simple message that gets lost when it Cascades down through political lobbyists.
John Rees
August 9, 2024 at 4:40 pm -Thank-you for taking this proactive leadership role, it’s just what CCT should be doing!
Schools should be central to a systemic and whole-community response, but I would respectfully suggest that we need to add responding to criminality and building empathy and tolerance to the agenda.
We already have the statutory components of PSHE education, and Citizenship as purpose-built vehicles for this work.
I would be delighted to offer my services to support this essential social and educational change.
Best wishes John
Jean Ramsey
August 9, 2024 at 4:46 pm -Teachers do have a vital role to play. I am smiling as I think of the joy and fresh thinking that another teacher…Tim Walz…is bring across the pond.
Tessa Mason
August 9, 2024 at 5:24 pm -I think CCT strikes the right tone and intention here, and it would be wonderful if government worked in partnership with CCT to set up a reference group of expert educators to add depth and context to next steps around community repair and reconciliation. A maintained or local faith school is at the heart of its communities and serves their needs in broad educational terms, providing reinforcement of local identity, a sense of pride and aspiration. Though curriculum design is central to this, the broader life of schools and trusts, working in strong supportive relationships, in deep cooperation and with a desire to fulfil potential, is central to societal recovery. As a CCT Fellow and Trust Chair at BDAT I would step up to support this work.
Kaisra Khan
August 9, 2024 at 6:14 pm -Thank you for sharing the CCoT’s statement!
I am so pleased that you have recommended the formation of a working group. If the DFE agrees to this, please may I be considered as a potential participant.
I am a retired secondary school teacher, and I am currently chair of governors.
Kind regards
Kaisra
Bill Moore
August 9, 2024 at 10:28 pm -RE, collective worship and SMSC have significant roles to play here
Melonie Ware
August 10, 2024 at 9:35 am -This atmosphere is definitely a step back and reminds me of how my parents say it was in the 50’s.
Schools and colleges can make a difference, if our children and young people stand together and build bridges there is hope for the future .
Rukhsana
August 10, 2024 at 7:10 pm -Excellent statement- I would like to be a part of the Woking group