 Pupil
Voice
Listen! We're Aiming High
'Listen! We're Aiming High is a DVD/video resource from MECSS on meeting
the needs of African Caribbean students in secondary schools. This 22
minute film is designed to be used as a training resource for staff or
for use with senior students.
 22
minute film on DVD or VHS with accompanying Information Booklet
"School in itself is hard enough but when people start being
racist to you in a certain form - it's just like that extra thing that
pushes you
over the limit..." Black student
In 'Listen! We're Aiming High' Black students, parents and staff talk
about their experiences and aspirations. These views are not often heard.
The African Caribbean Achievement Network recommends this resource
which is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, by staff and older
students in schools, and by parents and community groups.
The pack containing either DVD or VHS (video tape) and Information Booklet,
costs £15 (including postage & packing). The cost to Herts schools and
organisations is £10.
To order a 'Listen! We're Aiming High' pack please contact Madeleine
Lake stating whether you want a DVD or VHS (video tape).
Cheques should be made payable to Herts County Council.
Madeleine Lake
African Caribbean Achievement Network
MECSS Oasis (Formerly South Area EAM Centre)
Tolpits Lane
Watford
WD18 6LP
Email: madeleine.lake@hertscc.gov.uk
Suggestions for ways in which schools can hear the voices
of Black and Minority Ethnic pupils
1. Consult pupils about ways in which
their views can be heard. Establish a ‘Suggestion Box’. Give
feedback on the suggestions quickly so that students recognise their views
are being considered and taken seriously.
2. Conduct consultations via questionnaires. Ask students
to identify their ethnicity on their response and explain why the views
of people from different groups are of interest.
3. Invite different groups of pupils to a ‘focus group’ to
discuss their issues. This provides a forum for pupils of different ethnic
minority groups to have their voice heard. The voices of pupils who are
in a very small minority and may feel marginalised, can often get lost
when the School Council is relied upon as the sole conduit of pupils’ opinions.
Ensure that students know that they can express their views or describe
their experiences and feelings without fear of being disadvantaged as
a result.
4. Invite an independent person to facilitate a focus group.
Be open to the fact that a black ethnic minority facilitator may hear
different views from a group of black ethnic minority students to those
heard by a white facilitator.
5. Explain and justify decisions that are made following
consultations so that pupils can see that due consideration has been given
to the points they, and others in the school community, have raised.
References:
‘Consulting Young People in Schools’, ESRC Ruddock and Flutter
‘Consulting Pupils A Toolkit for Teachers’ MacBeath, Demetriou,
Rudduck & Myers 2003
Ensuring the attainment of Black Caribbean boys ‘Developing a
parent partnership’ DfES 2004
‘Listen! We’re Aiming High’ MECSS 2005 DVD and Teachers
Booklet
|
