Mutual understanding

• Mutual understanding:

  • underpins a democratic society
  • encouraged in schools and community though promoting concepts of diversity, integration and community cohesion.
• Concepts that underpin a democratic society:

  • Diversity-being part of a community with a range of differences based on culture, religion, class or age
  • Integration-bringing communities together and celebrating the diversity of each different group
  • Community cohesion-creating communities that are integrated with each other.
• The Roles Of Schools:

  • play a vital/active role in promoting MU through policies of inclusivity.
  • Education and extra-curricular activities promote respect of others, and equality amongst cultures and religions.
  • schools encourage cohesion through:
  • citizenship and RE lessons
  • assemblies and religious ceremonies
  • learning about religious festivals
  • peer education
  • projects that challenge discrimination
  • cultural events, activities and fundraisers, such as international food days.
• MU-encouraged in society so that people live together in harmony, with respect for diversity and for each other.
• Features of high levels of community cohesion:

  • proactive community action
  • community projects
  • tolerance of cultural and religious beliefs
  • sense of belonging
  • mutual respect
  • celebration of diversity
• Features of low levels of community cohesion:

  • higher levels of crime
  • racism
  • gang culture
  • segregation of groups
  • no-go areas
  • increase in extremist views
• Community groups:

  • community projects promote cohesion and are a valuable way for people to interact and improve MU
  • carnivals and festivals that celebrate diversity
  • "Befriend a refugee" projects that help new arrivals
  • English language classes to help new arrivals
  • projects that bring the generations together
• Events such as Notting Hill Carnival promote MU through bringing different ethnicities together and celebrating diversity.
• Using an example, explain one way that schools can promote MU in society?

  Through education like teaching Citizenship or Religious education informs students about different cultures, traditions and religions and develops greater understanding.