Practice exemplar: Shifting
ResourcesShifting – an incomplete tale of bullying and discrimination
What is this?
This page is a resource and an exemplar based on Shifting, an incomplete graphic novel. The storyline comes from young people from Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland who have experienced race-related bullying.
Who is it for?
The graphic novel is a resource for practitioners to use in upper primary and early secondary H&W curriculum. It enables learners from all cultures to reflect on bullying, how it arises and how everyone can take a role in stopping it.
How to use this exemplar to improve practice?
Shifting is a graphic novel that depicts race-related bullying incidents experienced by two Gypsy/Traveller pupils attending secondary schools in Scotland. The story introduces Joe and Tillie and details the frightening experiences they face.Â
The resource can be used in settings and schools by practitioners. The graphic story has intentionally been left incomplete. It invites you to support learners from all cultures to depict how it should end. It aims to generate discussion about discriminatory behaviour, recognising difference and taking positive action. You can see examples of the completed story from pupils from Kintore Primary below.
The paper version of the graphic novel is available free to schools throughout Scotland. The story was co-created by young people and was written and illustrated by Metaphrog, a graphic novel duo.
Kintore Primary School case study
What was done?
Pupils from Kintore Primary School in Aberdeenshire completed the graphic novel as a class project. After reading ‘Shifting’, the pupils analysed the key incidents in the plot from the perspectives of those bullying and those experiencing bullying. Pupils then created a unique ending proposing how the bullying should be resolved.
Why?
Kintore Primary School is located close to a Gypsy/Traveller site and local Gypsy/Traveller families are part of the school community. School staff wanted to recognise the potential for race-related discrimination and mitigate the possibility of future discrimination.
What was the impact?
- The participating children described the value of the graphic novel format in making the story accessible and more direct. All children were able to gain an understanding of the issues.
- The unfinished story prompted a range of reactions and wide-ranging discussion. Pupils demonstrated empathy with the victims of bullying and discrimination.
- The creative process involved in designing an ending offered a space for dialogue, critical thinking and self-expression.
- The cildren were proud to stand by their views on injustice through the presentation of the completed graphic novels.
- Pupils gained an understanding of story writing and illustration as a career option.
Improvement questions
- To what extent does our curriculum take account of our diverse school community?
- How effective are our approaches to support wellbeing for our Gypsy/Traveller pupils?
- How does our school promote an ethos and culture of positive engagement with our Gypsy/Traveller pupils?
- How well do children and young people show consideration for others and demonstrate positive behaviour and relationships?
