Mount Carmel pupils from Years 8, 9 and 10 participated in a virtual online workshop looking at Hate and Radicalisation led and delivered by Odd Arts, a charity situated in Manchester.

The sessions were delivered via Microsoft Teams in year group classrooms ensuring all Covid-19 guidelines were followed.

The theme of the workshop was 'Radicalisation: Blame and Belonging', a topic which is linked directly to the Department of Education guidelines for the PSHCE curriculum. During the sessions the pupils were actively involved in an introduction, a class debate/choice continuums around the theme of Radicalisation. Pupils then watched a short film which explored the themes covered which was later analysed by the pupils as to how it linked to the theme of the workshop. Pupils then had an opportunity to interact with the actors who were involved in the film via audio/video and engaged in conversations around the situations shown.

The main outcomes of the workshops were to gain an: Increased understanding of the process and meaning of radicalisation; the vulnerabilities, triggers and warning signs associated with radicalisation; improved critical thinking skills; improved communication skills including how to hold challenging conversations around hate and extremism; Safe space to explore hate and radicalisation and the impact on individuals and society; Reduce hate and risk of radicalisation, and increase community cohesion.

Mr Khan, Assistant Curriculum Leader of R.E., PSHCE and RSE at Mount Carmel and who organised the workshop event commented "Upon speaking to staff and the pupils there was a real atmosphere of engagement and interest across the year groups, with pupils voicing their opinions and being prepared to debate their ideas. It was fantastic to see, and our pupils did us proud. This is not the most ideal way to hold the sessions, but it was lovely to see our pupils getting stuck in."

Radicalisation workshop