Religious Tolerance and Diversity in Schools

13th March 2025, 1:30 – 4:45pm

Open University, Betty Boothroyd Library, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA

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. This event is aimed at teachers in history, film and media studies, religion & worldviews and civic education as well as head teachers and educational leaders in secondary education, further education and sixth forms.

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 get in touch with retopea@open.ac.uk to book your place.