Professional support
Panel discussion - Challenging racism
In this powerful and moving panel discussion, led by Stan Grant, participants open up about experiencing and challenging racism in educational settings.
The full 40 minute video can be accessed via MyPL along with reflection questions for use in professional learning and staff discussion.
Anti-Racism Policy Training
The Anti-Racism Policy Training course (NR30069) aims to increase staff understanding of the nature and impact of racism, familiarise staff with the revised Anti-Racism Policy and increase staff understanding of their responsibilities in implementing the policy. This course is mandatory for all staff from Term 2, 2022.
MyPL courses
A range of anti-racism and multicultural education professional learning programs are available for school staff, students and community.
Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO) blended online training course (10 hours)
AC00089 This course is for nominated Anti-Racism Contact Officers (ARCO) and executive staff to further develop the skills and knowledge required for the ARCO role including; understanding the dimensions of racism and detrimental effects of racism and racial discrimination in the school context. Participants will also explore legislation and department policies and build skills so that they become confident ARCOs. Courses run every term for six weeks.
Challenging Racism-Panel Discussion (80 minutes)
NRG32653 This professional learning aims to deepen understandings of the impact of racism and to challenge racism in a safe, positive and constructive way. It includes a 40 minute video and reflection questions to be considered individually, in small groups or as a whole school staff. Candid and constructive conversations about racism are sometimes confronting because they may bring up individual experiences of racism or challenge our core beliefs, values and perceptions regarding race and cultural diversity. Care needs to be taken to ensure discussions are conducted sensitively and with respect for everyone involved.
Facing up to Racism - Part 1 online (5 hours)
AC00123 The Facing up to Racism blended professional learning uses a framework of building awareness, committing to change and replacing negative assumptions, messages and behaviours with positive ones. Part 1 of the course is a five hour interactive online component aimed at developing confidence of staff to identify, understand, discuss and challenge racism in a constructive way. Part 1 is a prerequisite for Part 2 of the course.
Culturally Inclusive Teaching and Learning (4 hours)
AC00157 This is a self-paced, 4 hour online training course supported by the participant’s supervisor. The professional learning in this course will support participants to develop and implement strategies and practices to implement culturally inclusive teaching and learning.
This resource is designed to provide teachers and other school staff with a range of practical strategies to assist in the process of engaging migrant and refugee families and creating a culturally inclusive school environment.
Anti-racism statewide staffroom
Dig deeper
The activities suggested can be used individually, in small groups or during staff meetings. The icebreaker quizzes and discussion starter videos below can be used for staff professional learning. Use the suggested structured outlines or devise outlines that are better suited to your local concerns.
Understanding racism
Challenging racism (15 min) Participants recognise that racism has many forms and that no form of racism is permitted in learning and working environments of the Department of Education.
Bubalamai Bawa Gumada: Healing the Wounds of the Heart Resiliency against racism (60 min) Healing the Wounds of the Heart uses the voices of respected and highly successful Aboriginal Australians who discuss the impact of racism on their life.
Reflections on being Australian (40 min) This trigger stimulates discussion about the ideas and experiences of young people to get participants talking about cultural and linguistic diversity and what "being Australian" means.
Finding a place (55 min) This trigger stimulates discussion about how school communities can adapt to the changing characteristics of the student enrolment.
Identifying racism
Playing the game (40 min) Stimulates discussion about whether specific behaviours or incidents are indicators of racism. The discussion helps to answer the often asked question in school communities, ‘What is racism?
The whistle blower (40 min) Focuses on institutional racism and stimulates discussion about the impact and consequences of racist behaviours on individuals and institutions.
To be or not to be (40 min) Stimulates discussion about the benefits to school communities of implementing anti-racism education and tackling possible influences rather than ignoring them.
No yakking (40 min) Stimulates discussion about the myths and realities of students using their first language to support their learning in class and their learning of English.
Just listen (40 min) Stimulates discussion about ways for staff to effectively interact with students and community members from language backgrounds other than English.
Podcasts
Let’s talk race: A guide on how to conduct conversations about racism (The Australian Human Rights Commission, 2019) This guide assists Australian organisations in conducting meaningful and productive conversations about racism.
Shared Understanding Podcast (Centre for Multicultural Youth) Hear from students and young people with lived experience of racism, and explore key terms and concepts.
The SBS Insight TV program Holroyd High: The school of hope for refugee students provides an example of how inclusive practices result in above average university entrance for students.
The Challenging Racism Project, led by Professor Kevin Dunn at the University of Western Sydney, provides practical strategies that organisations can adopt to oppose racism and promote social harmony.
You may wish to refer to research for discussion at staff meetings or with colleagues.
Contact us
For additional information, contact our team at antiracismeducation@det.nsw.edu.au