‘Black Lives Matter – a conversation’ masterclass inspires future Norlanders
11 November 2020
This year, Set 43 (second-year) students attended a masterclass entitled ‘Black Lives Matter – a conversation’ with the Bath-based organisation Black Families Education Support Group.
The aim of the session was to provide students with a safe space to discuss the issues raised following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and to share their feelings about them. From this, students were encouraged to consider their own place, power and responsibilities in relation to racism and non-discriminatory practices and how this applies in their personal and professional activities.
Students also looked at discrimination, prejudice and social injustice beyond race by exploring gender, religion and belief, sexuality and physical ability.
Students wrote anonymous questions prior to the session which directed the conversation during the masterclass and students were able to consider the role they have as early years practitioners in tackling discrimination and educating children.
Matt, a Set 43 student, reflects on the masterclass, its importance and how what he has learned will influence his practice.
What were your thoughts and feelings before the masterclass?
Leading up to the masterclass, I was feeling a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Over the summer, I had taken a keen interest in the Black Lives Matter movement, seeking out literature and finding YouTube resources. This masterclass felt like a good way to consolidate knowledge and further encourage exploration of this topic.
What were your thoughts on the masterclass?
The masterclass was presented by Rob Mitchell from the Black Families Education Support Group. He had prepared a broad span of subject matter to be discussed. The nature of the class allowed for discussions to be directed by students. We were able to cover many aspects of discrimination. Rob allowed for us all to build upon the foundations of our anti-discrimination practice. I feel that this foundation is critical to what we do as Norland Nannies and by extension all early years practitioners.
What did you take away from the masterclass?
After this class, it has become more obvious to me that we should be opening this topic up for discussion. I like to think of the Black Lives Matter movement and what it stands for as a beautiful patchwork. Ideas, thoughts, experiences, injustices (and justices) and truth all sewn together to create a beautiful and ever-changing fabric. For some of us, this class will have started a reaction and brought inspiration. To grow the patchwork, maybe now is the time that we, as students, take our knowledge and expertise and sew on some of our own work. To be actively anti-racist and anti-discriminatory where we know it matters, in the early years.
Did you learn anything that will influence your practice working with children?
I have learnt to be more aware of my conscious and unconscious bias. Also, when working with children of all ages, it’s important to be open and unafraid to tackle discrimination. To not ‘roll over’ and accept discrimination if it is happening to me, my charge or anyone I come across. To be staunchly anti-discriminatory to the very best of my ability. All the while helping to pass on the ethos of my approach to my charges and those I work closely with.
Why do you think it’s important that Norland students discuss and learn about this topic?
It is important for all students to learn about this topic. I feel grateful that Norland made it possible for myself and my peers to have these discussions with Rob. A theme that did come up in our discussions is that education is a powerful tool. Widening the scope of these discussions and education to include the largest number of people up and down the scale of social position is, and should be, a big focus for anti-discrimination.
It is an awful shame that many people are only now waking up to racism. I strongly support the notion of rebuilding education in this country to adopt an unbleached approach rather than continuing to pursue a white centric curriculum in what we teach our children. Our country has been a melting pot for diversity of ethnicity for centuries and our curriculum should celebrate this. We need to stop fixing blinkers onto the bridle that is education. Knowing now that our early, primary and secondary education is being cherry-picked to highlight white privilege should be enough to leave anyone’s cheeks a bright shade of crimson.
I should like the world to know that Norland strives to be anti-discriminatory and anti-racist without fatiguing in its efforts or motivation.
