British Values Lesson in Team Hayzelden

During today's British values lesson, the children explored what free speech is and what hate speech is. As part of this, we discussed how some people think differently to others in society and often blame others for problems out of their control.

This also links to our R.E. learning and how minority groups can be treated within a community. 

Children have been taught that it is okay to have an opinion but that it must not be harmful or offensive to another person. The right to free speech should not outweigh the rights that somebody else has to feel safe, to seek asylum, or to be free from discrimination (all of which are human rights).

We tasked children with thinking through the consequences of using hate speech and what may and may not occur. For example, using hate speech will not make the problem go away but will make someone feel offended or even unsafe and is against the law. 

 The children handled this topic sensitively and had some great questions. 

In school, we encourage questions as this means that the children are thinking deeper about these serious issues, feel safe to learn and are open to discussion. This lesson is a vital part of our curriculum and at RAPS we believe education is (and will always be) the best way to change the systemic problems we face today and in the future. 

Should your children (or yourselves) have any further questions, I have listed a link below that is a great resource to use, as well as the attached parent leaflet that gives guidance around this topic. 

Parents Archives - Educate Against Hate

Many thanks for your cooperation and support in this matter.