The Sessions
The Breaking Boundaries project examining multiculturalism will compliment and may contribute to curriculum requirements for Citizenship, PHSE, English, RE, History, Music and Art & Design. The project will engage students in considering the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK and assist them in recognising some of the cultural norms in society, both in Britain and the wider world. Codes and conventions that are used to represent ideas, beliefs, and values will also be examined. The project may also assist students in developing key skills including problem-solving and thinking skills. The project will involve generating ideas, working with others, debate and discussion, reasoning, presenting, obtaining information, synthesising information, using still images & film and specialist vocabulary/language to understand and present information.

Session Outline

Session 1 – Making sense of multiculturalism
Content
Introduction to the programme
Slideshow presentation on multiculturalism
Big brother style group activity sharing information and opinions about who we are, how different we are and what we have in common
Discussion about how multiculturalism and ideas about ‘race’ relate to our lives

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Understand what is meant by multiculturalism
Identify how they see themselves and others and why
Explore what we have in common
Identify what cultural identity means to them
Understand the meaning of ‘race’ and the impact it has on their lives

Session 2 – Cosmopolitan London
Content
Around the World in London short film highlighting different cultural groups and traditions in London
Where do I fit in? interactive activity
Group discussion on the impact of multiculturalism in London

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Identify what multiculturalism means in London
Identify if and why communities are segregated
Describe the positives and negatives of London as a multicultural city

Session 3 – Treat me as an equal
Content
Group discussion on the subject of respect
I thought you respected me drama activity using soap opera scenarios
Monopoly game on social equality
Feedback discussion

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Describe how, officially and unofficially, people are recognised
Explore what equality between people means
Identify the real differences around the world

Session 4 – Across the globe
Content
Sustainable Myths short film outlining the dangers of poverty being written off as ‘cultural difference’
Interactive activity using real scenarios from across the world focusing on the North/South divide
Group debate on the session

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Understand what cultural relativism means and its relevance today
Identify the differences between people living in the South and the North

Session 5 – Current Debates
Content
Small group work on different multicultural policies and practices today
Reporting back in the form of a facilitated debate
Is Ali G a racist? activity and discussion

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Understand the policy implications of multiculturalism
Present a clear argument in a debate

Session 6 – Celebrate
Content
Group-led discussion on what is good about multiculturalism and what we have in common, locally and globally
Evaluate what the participants have learnt from the programme
Group activity to select ideas and medium to express the groups’ views on cultural diversity and to celebrate what we have in common for a group presentation

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Analyse and evaluate what they have learnt from the project
Select and agree how to present this to their peers and communities

Session 7 – What next?
Content
Group to lead in planning ideas, activities and debate around multiculturalism

Learning outcomes
By the end of the session the participants will be able to:
Present their ideas and learning to another group
Plan an event locally or within their school

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