All teachers in Scotland should feel confident in building a curriculum
that meets the needs of a diverse range of learners and improves
relationships between children and young people.
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COMMUNITY VIDEO
WHAT ISSUES DO GYPSY/TRAVELLER COMMUNITIES RAISE?
“Travelling children have got so much potential - but the schools don't see it. They're only interested in doctors and lawyers. It’s so sad because I know so many Traveller boys that can't get through the theory test to get into the business.”
Issue: Culturally-sustaining pedagogies are needed to support young Gypsy/Travellers.
What and how Gypsy/Traveller children learn must help to prepare them in their future lives, whether working within or outwith their communities. This is particularly urgent when their communities have had a history of being ignored through schooling.
“When I was at school the other kids thought I wasn't bright because I was a Traveller. They called me and my family names. One lad told everyone that my dad was a thief.”
Issue: There is a need to develop intercultural competences in all learners
All children should develop intercultural competences including the attitudes, skills and knowledge they need to allow them to communicate positively with those people they think are 'different' in some way.
"It’s nice to be acknowledged. In Religious and Moral Education you learn about all different ethnicities, they’re all covered, but not one mention of Gypsy/Travellers. I mentioned that to my teacher, but the teacher said it’s not in the curriculum."
Issue: The necessity for race equality in the curriculum
The curriculum should be planned to reflect the diverse range of ethnicities in the school community. Staff should think about what histories, knowledge and images are being shared and who produces them.
CHallenge questions and EFFECTIVE Actions
How can we create learning experiences that build cultural competences and have a positive impact on relationships between learners from different backgrounds?
What steps can we take to engage with Gypsy/Traveller learners to ensure that they know that you understand their personal context and curricular needs?
What histories, knowledge and images are represented in the school curriculum and who produces them?
RESOURCES
