Diversity

and Community Cohesion

What does Diversity mean?

‘…….. The key is not to wipe out all differences, but to unite with our differences intact.’

Rabindranath Tagore

The duty to promote Community Cohesion -

…… we passionately believe that it is the duty of all schools to address issues of ‘how we live together’ and ‘dealing with difference’ however controversial and difficult they might sometimes seem.

The diversity and citizenship curriculum review 2007

What is Community Cohesion?

Common vision

Sense of belonging

What is community cohesion?

Many definitions are being produced……

Common valuesSense of

belonging

Diversity appreciated and valued

Equal life opportuniti

es

Strong and positive

relationships

Knowing rights and

responsibilities

Trusting each other and local

institutionsShared

vision for community

Shared access to English

A school should consider ...

Teaching, learning and curriculum

Equity and excellenceEngagement and extended

services

……..underpinned by

Equal life opportunities Working to remove barriers:-

intolerance and harassment;

mistrust of different groups;

lack of spaces for meaningful

interaction.

To Conclude

Research indicates:

HAPPY + SAFE = LEARNING

A quote form Debbie Gordon:

‘We are not in the business of promoting anything. We are in the business of letting children know

that who they are is O.K.’