One minute guide: Addressing racism towards Russian pupils in Devon schools

Why is this important?

Recent Local Authority data shows that there has been at least a 300% increase of racism towards the Russian community in Devon schools.
Children are up to 4 times more likely to have mental health difficulties if they experience bullying.

Government advice

The government have put together a dedicated web page to support schools with the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation. – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)

Curriculum – Ukraine

It is vital that schools include discussions within their curriculum regarding the Russian invasion of
Ukraine. You can do this by providing opportunities in classrooms for open dialogues:

• establish the facts by pointing pupils towards “trusted, reputable sources that explain the what, where, when, why and who”. It encourages teachers to challenge incorrect  information when they see it and to present evidence for facts and get pupils to do the same.
• explore a range of diverse perspectives by considering the different voices within the classroom, showing solidarity with potentially marginalised voices and views and make sure it is not left to a pupil to stand up for a particular minority viewpoint alone.
• be comfortable not having an answer for everything – and help your pupils feel comfortable with that too – by being clear that in many circumstances there is
  no one ‘right’ answer.
• encourage students to debate ideas by facilitating discussion and helping pupils know that debate can happen without it becoming personal – by, for example, encouraging pupils to say they disagree with someone’s idea, rather than with the person.

Source: Educationhub.gov.uk

PSHE, tutor times and PSE

Dedicate some lessons to discussing the Russian invasion on Ukraine ‘Education Against Hate’, has lots of resources, activities and information on how to have dialogue with pupils such as:

• how to identify mis- and disinformation (e.g. conspiracy theories, clickbait, manipulated media);
• exploring fact versus opinion, including how sensational content can be used to drive user engagement;
• the benefits and pitfalls of a ‘personalised web’, including algorithms and filter bubbles;
• understanding unconscious bias and how it influences our worldview;
• analysing ‘us vs them’ narratives, and how online echo chambers may widen social divides;
• responding effectively to hate speech and forging more inclusive digital communities;
• creating inspiring digital content to champion causes, promote positive messages and  support peers.

Generation Global – Educate Against Hate, also has a brilliant lesson on ‘Conspiracy theories’ for
KS2 and KS3 under the teacher section.

Source: Educationhub.gov.uk

Whole School approach

Schools should ensure that their approach to this topic is inclusive and informative.

• Schools should hold assemblies regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is a
  great opportunity to disseminate the correct information and set out the expectations, regarding anti-racism within your school. A quick search online for ‘Russia-Ukraine conflict assemblies’, will provide lots of resources to use. Below is an example of a video assembly a school has delivered on this topic:

• TES has a wealth of resources and two particularly good ones are: Russia and Ukraine Assembly, Tutor Time, Citizenship, PSHE | Teaching Resources (tes.com) and Ukraine and Russia Teaching Resources (tes.com)
• Your school could also offer drop-in sessions for all pupils to ask questions, seek advice and report any racism they have experienced or witnessed.
• ‘Peace Planes’ can be used to engage all ages in a dialogue regarding the situation. Ukraine Russia War – Peace Planes Activity | Teaching Resources (tes.com)
• Involve children in creating a display. Incorporating various cross curricular activities that can include history, current culture and what is currently happening.
• Include correct information in your school newsletter, with guidance on where families can seek support and advice.

Further support

You can access further support by contacting the EMTAS team: educationethnicminorityachievement@devon.gov.uk