educate.against.
hate
2023/24
Purpose
A calendar marking awareness dates in the year and providing you with practical advice, guidance and resources to discuss them with your students.
Designed for
Teachers and safeguarding leads in schools and colleges responsible for protecting their students from radicalisation*
Keep updated
*When using the resources in this calendar you should ensure that the content is suitable for the age of your students, that you're confident in engaging in difficult classroom discussions, and that it is appropriate to your learners.
September 2023
9/11 ANNIVERSARY
Teaching about the events and aftermath of 9/11 can be challenging for a number of reasons. Research by Since 9/11 has shown that both teachers and students have varying degrees of knowledge about 9/11. Many of the issues are complex and some are controversial, all of which adds to the potential demands made on teachers. These resources are designed to help you discuss these topics with your students.
Educate Against Hate's Let's Discuss: Fundamental British Values resource is designed to help teachers facilitate classroom conversations in secondary schools around FBVs.
Resources that can be used as part of KS3 history, Citizenship, RE, Art and Design, and English lessons to develop critical thinking skills, and promote dialogue by exploring different cultural and political perspectives.
Blog post written by Peter Rosengard, the Chairman of SINCE 9/11, discussing the importance of education and teaching young people about events like 9/11 in order to create a a safe and harmonious society.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY
The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.
Each year highlights a specific theme. Past themes have included stronger democracies, the importance of democracy for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthening the voices of citizens, dialogue and inclusiveness, accountability, and political tolerance.
Developed by UK Youth and in partnership with the Cabinet Office, The Democracy Challenge is a 15-hour group learning programme that you can complete with young people aged 16 and over. It is aimed at developing their understanding of democracy and voting, and increasing their interest through creative, imaginative and meaningful activities.
The Democracy Challenge encourages young people to think for themselves, to question and challenge themselves and each other, and to develop confidence in expressing their own opinions.
October 2023
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October is Black History Month - a time dedicated to celebrating and recognising the contributions of Black people to British society, as well as an opportunity to learn and broaden understanding of Black culture.
The theme of Black History Month 2023 is 'Saluting Our Sisters' to emphasise focus and direct attention towards the contributions and efforts of Black women who are overlooked and forgotten in their achievements.
Black History Month is a great opportunity to teach young people about the efforts of Black people and communities, civil rights movements and equality as well as a chance to further their understanding of our fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Educate Against Hate's Let's Discuss: Fundamental British Values resource is designed to help teachers facilitate classroom conversations in secondary schools around FBVs.
Our Migration Story from the Runnymede Trust details the stories of generations of migrants who came to and shaped the British Isles from medieval times to present day.
The Historical Association has a wide range of resources including on black Tudors, multi-cultural Britain, key historical figures and many other topics.
HATE CRIME AWARENESS WEEK
National Hate Crime Awareness Week aims to promote action against hate crime and encourages the likes of Government, Police, Councils, voluntary sectors, businesses, and communities to work together to tackle hate crime in the UK.
Hate crime refers to incidents or criminal offences whereby the victim believes it to be motivated by prejudice against their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or an incident or criminal offence motivated by prejudice against a person who is transgender. Hate crimes can be in the form of physical or verbal abuse, or in the form of the incitement of hatred whereby someone has the intent of encouraging hate.
Throughout Hate Crime Awareness Week, you might want to use the opportunity to teach your pupils about our fundamental British values, in particular, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
A scenario based quiz style classroom resource that will allow you to discuss different approaches to difficult situations such as encountering racism, hate crime, and harmful content online.
Stand Up! Discrimination Today and Yesterday is a classroom resource which aims to explore issues around discrimination and tolerance.
The No Love for Hate project aims to reduce the appeal of extremism to young people. t encourages pupils to be more accepting of others and to challenge hatred.
November 2023
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms in the face of division and conflict. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.
INTER FAITH WEEK
Building good relationships and working partnerships between people of different faiths and beliefs is part of the year-round work of many people and organisations across the UK.
Having a special week provides a focal point, helping to open inter faith activity up to a wider audience so that more and more people are made aware of the importance of this vital work and are able to participate in it.
The Inter Faith Network for the United Kingdom has created resources to help both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils gain an understanding of inter faith encounters, dialogue and action, as well as the variety of inter faith activity across the UK by using examples from across different communities. The resources can also help pupils to think about British values and values shared by different religions.
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK
Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it has the theme 'Make A Noise About Bullying' and will take place from Monday 13th to Friday 17th November. The week will be kicked off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November, where adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
Slide packs developed by Mulberry Academy aimed at KS4 learners covering a range of topics including a specific slide pack on prejudice and discrimination.
Guidance from the DfE on how parents and carers can prevent and respond to cyber bullying aimed at children and young people.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY
A range of resources and assembly plans created by Unicef for both primary and secondary schools to encourage conversations and school ethos around respecting the rights of children.
World Childrens Day is celebrated on November 20th every year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. It offers everyone the opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children's rights and help to shape a brighter future for young people.
December 2023
Throughout December and in the run up to the end of term, you might want to take some time to look at some of the below resources that we have on Educate Against Hate that can help you to teach your learners about a range of skills and topics.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
DEBATE AND DISCUSSION
Below are some resources from the Educate Against Hate website that focus on teaching learners about conspiracy theories, their influence, and the concerns that may be surrounding them.
A resource that provides teachers an opportunity to explore with KS2 pupils what conspiracy theories are, what kind of conspiracy theories exist and if they can be dangerous.
A resource that provides teachers an opportunity to explore with KS3 and KS4 pupils what conspiracy theories are, the appeal of conspiracy theories and how they can impact people’s lives.
Below are some resources that we've picked out from the Educate Against Hate website that will encourage your learners to develop their critical thinking skills when engaging with online content and the news.
A classroom resource that aims to help young people evaluate the validity of information online. The resource includes a lesson plan, classroom activities and a video.
A lesson plan created by The Economist Educational Foundation which aims to help pupils understand why it is important to have reliable information about the news from a variety of sources.
Below are some resources aimed at secondary school age learners that will encourage classroom discussions and healthy debates amongst learners.
Three classroom lessons on identity, violent extremism and digital resilience intended for use within upper KS2 classrooms including lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations and guidance on how to tackle frequently asked questions in open discussion.
This resource includes a range of activities and media to develop student’s understanding of extremism, how it develops and how it might be tackled.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
UK BANK HOLIDAY
January 2024
UK BANK HOLIDAY
WORLD RELIGION DAY
Building good relationships and working partnerships between people of different faiths and beliefs is part of the year-round work of many people and organisations across the UK.
Having a special week provides a focal point, helping to open inter faith activity up to a wider audience so that more and more people are made aware of the importance of this vital work and are able to participate in it.
The Interfaith Explorers resource is designed to promote mutual respect through greater understanding of different faiths. The resource focuses on RE and PSHE but also makes some cross-curricular links to English, mathematics, art, design and technology, history and geography.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.
Holoucaust Memorial Day is for everyone. Each year across the UK, thousands of people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future. We know they learn more, empathise more and do more.
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust have resources including assembly packs and lesson plans ot help pupils learn about the Holocaust and genocide.
February 2024
SAFER INTERNET DAY
Safer Internet Day aims to encourage young people to act safely, responsibly, and positively in the online space and when using technology. Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to teach young people about ways in which they can stay safe online and provide them with the chance to have conversations about their online activity and any concerns they might have about the online world.
Learners are at risk of accessing inappropriate and harmful extremist content online, and the internet and social media have made spreading divisive and hateful narratives easier.
The development of strong media literacy skills helps learners to become critical users of the online space, through recognising extremist behaviour; understanding the persuasive techniques used by extremist groups and individuals online; acknowledging where online activity is criminal, and knowing where to go to access trusted support.
Developed by the Department for Education and London Grid for Learning, Going Too Far? is an interactive classroom resource which aims to help students understand how certain behaviour online may be dangerous or illegal.
Guidance published by the Department for Education about how you can teach your learners about how they can stay safe online and the importance of online safety.
PARENTS EVENING
COMING UP?
Just like those working in the education sector, parents and carers play an important role in protecting children and young people radicalisation and extremism.
We've created a short booklet and supplementary PowerPoint presentation designed to help parents and carers understand more about Prevent, protecting children from radicalisation and the role that they can play.
A collection of events and resources from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that can help young people keep safe online and build their online media literacy skills.
Quiz-style and story-based learning that aims to promote discussion in the classroom around safer internet usage amongst year 5 and year 6 learners.
March 2024
WORLD BOOK DAY
The aim of World Book Day is to promote and encourage reading for pleasure, however it's also a good opportunity for you to read a book with your class that celebrates tolerance and diversity. Well-known examples include: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onali Rauf and Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman.
WORLD BOOK DAY RECOMMENDATIONS
Please ensure that you are familiar with the books you intend to use and that they are appropriate for the age of the learners your teach.
Author - Jordan Collins
A picture book that focuses on the topic of racism and calling out and challenging racist behaviour.
Author - Onjali Q. Rauf
A humourous and heartfelt story about friendship and kindness written from the perspective of a child in the midst of the refugee crisis.
Author - Malorie Blackman
A young adult novel that focuses on the topic of racism within the setting of a dystopian Britain.
This is the first book in the Noughts and Crosses series.
Author - Sabina Khan
The story of 17-year-old Rukhsana Ali who is struggling with her relationship with her conversative Muslim parents in the run up to her beginning university.
Author - Kamila Shamsie
Home Fire follows Isma and her family as she
attempts to help her brother return to Britain
after he regrets his decision
to join ISIS.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8th every year and is a day dedicated to celebrating women and their contributions to all aspects of life, while also an opportunity to bring attention to and advocate for issues and rights such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
The theme of IWD 2024 is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.
Where?
The Boy at the Back of the Class
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.
Virtual Inclusion Project is a virtual reality lesson where pupils experience 'a day in the life' of three young people experiencing discrimination.
In 1979, the United Nations adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.
Noughts and Crosses
The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali
UK BANK HOLIDAY
Home Fire
April 2024
UK BANK HOLIDAY
Stephen Lawrence Day
The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation was founded after Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old boy from London was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on 22nd April 1993.
Stephen Lawrence Day aims to bring people, communities and organisations together to not only honour Stephen, but also to stand up to the discrimination that occurs in daily life.
The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation work in classrooms, encouraging young people to strive for greatness despite barriers they may face; support and create new connections within communities; and help to provide marginalised young people with access to career opportunities across a range of sectors and industries.
You may want to make use of Stephen Lawrence Day as an opportunity to discuss hate crime and discrimination with your learners, and teach them about our fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs.
The Stephen Lawrence Day website details further information about Stephen's story, the foundation and its achievements to date, as well as classroom resources aimed at KS2 to KS5 learners.
Lesson plans developed by the Global Acts of Unity founder, Mark Haines, that encourage discussions around terrorism, discrimination and diversity in the classroom.
Slide packs developed by Mulberry Academy aimed at KS4 learners covering a range of topics including a specific slide pack on prejudice and discrimination.
Educate Against Hate's Let's Discuss: Fundamental British Values resource is designed to help teachers facilitate classroom conversations in secondary schools around FBVs.
May 2024
UK BANK HOLIDAY
Manchester Arena Attack Anniversary
The Let's Discuss series is designed to help teachers facilitate difficult classroom conversations in secondary schools.
This resource focuses on Islamist extremism and the pack contains teacher guidance, a short video, PowerPoint slides and a fictional case-study.
On 22nd May 2017, Islamist extremist Salman Abedi carried out an attack at the Manchester Arena, following an Ariana Grande concert. As a result of the bombing, 22 people lost their lives, over 100 were injured, and there was extensive damage to the building itself. 2024 marks 7 years since the attack.
Starting conversations with your learners about Islamist extremism and incidents like the Manchester Arena Attack can be difficult and require a sensitive approach. To assist with this, we've created our Let's Discuss: Islamist Extremism resource which aims to provide support to teachers in starting dialgoue in the classroom around Islamist extremism and the process of radicalisation.
Additionally, Chris Upton, the headteacher of the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena Attack, kindly wrote a blog for the Educate Against Hate website about the impact of the attack on his school and the journey they went on following the incident and the loss of a pupil.
Headteacher, Chris Upton, shares the story of his school following the Manchester Arena Attack which resulted in the tragic loss of one of his pupils.
UK BANK HOLIDAY
June 2024
PRIDE MONTH
LGBT Pride Month is a month, typically June, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. Pride Month began after the Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969. At the point at which schools consider it appropriate to teach their pupils about LGBT, they should ensure that this content is fully integrated into their programmes of study for this area of the curriculum rather than delivered as a standalone unit or lesson. Schools are free to determine how they do this, and the Department for Education expect all pupils to have been taught LGBT content at a timely point as part of their RHSE of the curriculum.
RESOURCE HUB
In addition to the events listed, June also marks the anniversary of a number of terror attacks in the UK, such as the London Bridge Attack 2017 (June 3rd), the Finsbury Park Attack 2017 (June 19th), and the Reading Attack 2020 (June 20th).
Below are a number of resources that may help you discuss these events with your learners, as well as encouraging conversations about our fundamental British values and countering extremist narratives.
Every child should be able to celebrate what they love about their family. Help your pupils celebrate different families
Developed by St. Sebastians Primary School, these lesson plans aimed at Year 5 & 6 learners provide clear Prevent objectives, age-appropriate applications and creative methods for getting messages across in an engaging and inclusive way.
John's Story from the Act Early Stories resource introduces the session with Jo Cox MP and her message as the basis of teaching secondary school learners about unity and division, and the consequences of not challenging extremist behaviour.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY (20TH) AND REFUGEE WEEK
World Refugee Day occurs on June 20th every year and is an opportuntiy to honour those who have been forced to flee their homes in seek of safety and support. World Refugee Day takes place within Refugee Week and is a celebrative festival that focuses on the contributions of refugees to arts and culture. The event allows individuals from varying backgrounds to come together in the name of arts, culture, sport and education to build connections and learn more about the challenges that refugees face and their reasons for needing to leave their homes.
THE GREAT GET TOGETHER
Jo Cox MP was murdered on 16th June 2016 by a right-wing extremist. In honour of Jo, The Great Get Together takes place ever year on the weekend closest to her birthday, encouraging communities to come together to bring to life Jo's message that “We have far more in common than that which divides us”. The weekend-long honour encourages messages of unity, cohesion, and community, emphasising the need and desire for a fair and incluisve world.
The Great Get Together is an opportunity to celebrate diversity with your learners, as well as highlight what they have in common and to bridge divides. In support of this, The Great Get Together have produced resources for young people in all key stages. Simply fill out the online form to have the resources emailed over to your inbox.
WINDRUSH DAY
Windrush Day is a chance to remember and celebrate the arrival of Afro-Caribbean immigrants into Britain after the Second World War. Windrush Day aims to encourage understanding and empathy with the challenges and discrimination that Black communities faced upon their arrival into Britain.
July 2024
7/7 LONDON ATTACKS ANNIVERSARY
2024 marks 19 years since July 7th attack on London's transport network where four Islamist extremist suicide bombers targeted three underground stations and one bus. As a result, over 50 people lost their lives and over 700 were injured.
Discussing incidents like the 7/7 attacks with young people can be challenging. To support teachers in opening up this kind of dialogue in the classroom, we've created our Let's Discuss: Islamist Extremism resource which aims to provide support to teachers in starting conversations in the classroom around Islamist extremism and the process of radicalisation.
On Educate Against Hate, you'll also find the Miriam's Vision resource which is a collection of lesson plans based on Miriam Hyman’s story, a victim of the 7/7 attacks, for teachers of 11-14 year olds.
The Let's Discuss series is designed to help teachers facilitate difficult classroom conversations in secondary schools.
This resource focuses on Islamist extremism and the pack contains teacher guidance, a short video, PowerPoint slides and a fictional case-study.
Miriam Hyman was killed in the London bombings on 7 July 2005. Miriam's Vision was set up in response to the attack and these lesson plans have been designed to be taught across a range of curriculum subjects, focusing on building an inclusive, non-violent society, and respecting fundamental rights.
SREBRENICA MEMORIAL DAY
Remembering Srebrenica have developed a range of resources for both primary and secondary schools to teach learners about the events of the Bosnian War and the Srebrenica Massacre, as well as helping them to understand individual differences and acceptance.
The resources include lesson plans and assembly plans that encourage the celebration of diversity and inclusivity and strengthening communities to challenge hatred.
The Srebrenica Massacre took place during the Bosnian War in July 1995 whereby 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered by the Army of Republika Srpska in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica. It was the first attack of this scale on European land since the end of the Second World War.
Remembering Srebrenica is a charity that not only encourages us to remember the victims of the Srebrenica Massacre, but also pushes towards the development of a cohesive society free from hatred and discrimination. In line with this, Remembering Srebrenica have produced educational resources for both primary and secondary schools that aim to teach learners about our the events of the Bosnian War and Srebrenica, while also highlighting our differences and the importance of acceptance to work towards cohesion.
MALALA DAY
Malala Yousafzai advocates for the education of women and recieved the Nobel Piece Prize for her efforts. At the age of 17, Yousafzai and two other girls were shot by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt where she was targetted for her activism.
Malala Day is celebrated to bring focus to all of Yousafzai's efforts and legacy in advocating for the rights and education of girls and women.
The "He Named Me Malala" resource is aimed at KS3 and KS4 and explores the themes and issues portrayed in the He Named Me Malala documentary which introduces students to discussions surrounding unity, peace and education in the face of terrorism.
