Conference comments: Developing an Inclusive School Environment For Minority Ethnic Pupils

Most of the workshops ran twice during the day and participants were asked to make their comments at the each of each session. Some of the comments are reproduced below.

See workshop comments in full in Rich Text Format (rtf) - printable version.

Storytelling - a fresh approach

• Lots of very interesting ideas for storytelling.
• Practical hands on approach works the best. Well done.
• Very interesting. Great idea of surprise box.
• I've been inspired to use more visual resources and reminded how effective it can be. Thank you Celine.
• Lovely box and renewed enthusiasm.
• EAL children need extra visual resources which are valuable for the whole class! A nice box to use next week.
• Useful to use. Stories and role play for all children. Get EAL children to tell stories to all in their own language.

Welcoming and including new arrivals

• Taking a "new referral over the phone". Turned into reality for the child. Excellent session.
• Made me think more carefully about preparing the class, resources etc. before an EAL child arrives.
• More confidence to welcome a new child. Practical ideas to use, e.g. pictures, dual language signs etc. Thank you.
• Good introduction! Lots to discuss - felt we could have done with more time.
• Today I learnt what supportive materials and body language to provide for new arrivals with no English knowledge.
• I feel more confident about what I am already doing.

Valuing cultural diversity in the primary classroom

• Make sure everyone knows everyone is different but is also the same.
• Fascinating approach. Will be giving "emotional literacy" much thought after this workshop.
• Great to hear about 'real' activities which work. I like the classroom rules - matching Rule and Right.
• Identify a multicultural theme in topic areas. Get QCA Emotional Literacy booklet.
• Useful term "Emotional Literacy". But I think this gets lost when you keep pace with delivering the national curriculum.
• I am going to ensure every child in my class feels his/her culture/language is valued.

Promoting the achievement of minority ethnic pupils through after school clubs

• Gave me useful and practical ideas on ways of starting an after school club for EAL pupils.
• Very useful constructive helpful information. Ideas for future planning to help promote cultural awareness achievement etc. Value of ethnic groups within school. Thank you.
• Ideas for homework club from display. Excellent programme for a homework club.

Developing anti racist strategies

• I thought I knew how to define racism … until I came to write it down. Thank you for helping me learn an appropriate and succinct statement.
• Very useful information on writing and implementing an anti-racist policy.
• Discussion vs. definition of race and racist incidents.
• It is important to use the same definitions and terms.

Promoting the achievement of minority ethnic pupils arriving midway through KS3 or 4

• I was delighted to find out that some work is done to help asylum/refugee pupils to make further future plans in their education by Hampshire BLSS/SEMASS etc. support.
• It is imperative that we consider the whole child - linguistically, socially, culturally and pastorally, when integrating into school. Peer counsellors?
• Very good. Learn to think of the whole student, not just to speak English or pass exams.

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