Creative pedagogies for promoting religious tolerance and diversity in schools

24th June 2025, 1:30 – 4:45pm

Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, Wilson C Building, Birch and Chestnut Seminar Rooms
Directions to Walton Hall | Estates

The Open University Religious Studies team is collaborating with the Understanding the
Interplay project and HFL Education to deliver a workshop exploring the challenges of managing
religious diversity in schools in the face of the recent upsurge of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia
and other forms of religious hate and prejudice. The emphasis is on prevention rather than cure.
We believe our work has significant strategic and interdisciplinary potential and we are
particularly keen to engage with school senior leaders. This event is therefore aimed at head
teachers and educational leaders in secondary education, further education and sixth forms as
well as at teachers in history, film and media studies, religion & worldviews and civic education.
You will be introduced to two exciting methodologies. The first draws on historical resources
and uses film making to stimulate students to reflect positively on their own experience and to
learn from that of others, hence building resilience against more hostile voices. The second
uses Lego building with students to explore ideas of identity, belonging and participation, to
reflect on the idea of citizenship and the relationship with religion or worldview. There will be an
opportunity in a practical session for participants to try out some elements of the processes for
themselves.

The workshop is offered free of charge, with financial support from the Culham St Gabriels
Trust. Please email retopea@open.ac.uk to book your place including details of your school,
job title and roles held. Final details will be sent in due course to those registering.