wall of kindness

Walls of kindness have started to appear across major cities in Iran as people leave clothes for the homeless to take if they are in need. In the city of Mashhad someone installed hooks on a wall with the words, "If you don't need it, leave it. If you need it, take it." Donations of warm clothes then started to appear.

The walls have appeared in other cities with photos on Twitter and Facebook. One Iranian said, "Walls remind us of distance but in some streets in Shiraz they brought people closer together"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-35132157?ocid=socialflow_facebook&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=facebook

- Why are people leaving clothes on walls?
- Does the writing say, "Only take if you are male" or, "Only take if you are Muslim"? Why not?
- Do the people leaving the clothes care who takes them?
-How does the wall bring people closer together?
-What can we learn from the people making kindness walls in Iran today?

Community Cohesion in Birmingham

This Mosque in central Birmingham is opening its doors over Christmas, offering free meals to homeless people. The Mosque is expecting hundreds of people in Christmas week and about 150 on Christmas day. They are partnered with Birmingham soup kitchen and a local church, and local businesses have donated money.

Kasim Choudry said, "Birmingham is an amazing city that thrives on diversity and together as one community we can unite as one to tackle poverty"

http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/this-mosque-in-birmingham-is-offering-free-meals-to-the-homeless-over-the-christmas-period--W1JW74xNil

- Why is this Mosque offering free food over Christmas?
- Is the Mosque saying, "Only Muslims can come"? Why not?
- Why is the Mosque working with a local church, when they are a different religion?
- What does this say about Birmingham and people who have different faith?
- What can we learn from the people who attend this Mosque?

A Hug To Change The World

A woman taking part in an anti-Muslm protest in the US changed her mind when a Muslim woman approached her, hugged her and invited her in to the local Mosque to talk. Other supporters talked to the protester calmly to try and get her to see things differently. When she stepped in side the Mosque she was greeted by applause.

"A lot of people with these ideas have not actually met a Muslim," the mosque's spokesman, Adnan Mirza, told The Independent. "We focus on the similarities rather than on things that divide."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/anti-muslim-protester-won-over-by-hugs-and-debate-at-noor-islamic-centre-a6690801.html

- What's happening in the photo?

-What do the placards say, what do you think that person wants to achieve?

explain the photo

- why did the Muslim woman hug a stranger who was anti-Muslim?

- what was the effect of the hug?

- what do you think the anti-Muslim woman felt when the Muslim woman talked to her calmly and hugged her?

- read out the quote from Adnan Mirza; how is this similar to our No Outsiders message?

Extension lesson plan: LI To understand the power of dialogue 

Watch this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErxlkMwVrUQ showing the hug and the conversation with the anti-Muslim protestor. In other (longer) clips we can see the man say to the protestor, "We can be friends" and, "How do you know I'm not Muslim?" He questions her calmly and gets her to question her beliefs. Why does he do this and what is the impact?

Watch this film of the woman who gave the hug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY5NO8ox2y8 how does she describe the impact of the hug? How do you think the women felt before the hug and after the hug. Why do you think the hug went viral? What does it show about people around the world and what they want to see?

Write a newspsper report for the incident. use quotes from the films

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the equality act in primary schools by Andrew Moffat

equalitiesprimary

Community Cohesion In Scotland

The Island of Bute in Scotland is preparing to welcome 15 families from Syria, including 50 children. Local people are eager to welcome their new neighbours; Craig Borland, the editor of the local newspaper said, "I want Bute to be a place where people who come here with little more than the clothes they are standing in can feel safe and at home.”

Angela Callaghan, who runs a furniture shop is organising food parcels and said, "“These people will become part of our community and will not have much time when they arrive to organise meals....so we’ll all rally round.”

In December the local cinema will screen the film, "It's a wonderful life" as a fundraiser to welcome the families and there are plans to organise a Syrian food night in the church hall.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/nov/15/isle-of-bute-syrian-refugees-its-a-wonderful-life

- How will the families from Syria feel when they first arrive at Bute?
- How will they feel when they see the welcome?
-What will the people of Bute gain from this experience?
- What can we learn from the people of Bute?

Look For The Helpers

At the end of an assembly where difficult issues are being discussed, use this quote from Mr Rogers.

France: Promoting Community Cohesion

Following the attacks in Paris on Friday 13th November, cities around the world turned their landmarks red, white and blue as a mark of respect, showing support for France.

http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/14/in-pics-powerful-images-from-paris-show-city-united-and-defiant-in-face-of-terror-attacks-5500938/?ito=twitter

- What buildings do you recognise in the picture?

- Why are other buildings around the world lit up using the colours red, white and blue?

- There are people in those cities who are Male, Female, Transgender, Black, White, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Gay, Lesbian, and of different ages, disabilities and nationalities, yet in this picture they are all showing the French flag - what does this say about people who are different around the world?

- Why do we say the are "No Outsiders" in our school - what do we say about people who have different faith and people who are from different countries?

- If you could speak to someone in Paris now, what would you say?

Disability - empathy- problem solving

James Williams is a barber from Talbot, UK. He has been trying unsuccessfully to cut the hair of Mason, who was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition a few months ago. Mason gets upset when he has his hair cut and this photo shows the first time he has managed to get a proper hair cut, because the James has persevered and found a way to do it.

- What is happening in this picture?
-  Why are they lying on the floor?

Explain the picture

- What is Autism? (explain ASD is where the brain works in a different way. Lots of people have autism)
- Mason was finding difficulty getting his hair cut. How was the problem solved - did Mason change or did James change?
- Why did James make an effort to change the way he cut hair? Why didn't he just force Mason to have his hair in the same way as everyone else, or tell Mason to go somewhere else for his haircut?
- What does this say about James Williams?
- How do we make sure everyone is welcome in our school?
-If you met James Williams, what would you say to him?

Gender - Identity - Inclusion

The Highgirls Brazil Festival October 30th - November 2nd 2015 is the first female festival highline held in Brazil. The website says the aim is, "to bring together women from all states so that we can know each other, exchange experiences and promote the sport"

"We chose Rio de Janiro for this first meeting, providing opportunity to improve and fall in love with Art of balance"

"The festival will allow the presence of men, but (they) will have to use their creativity in the use of skirts, dresses and hats ranging from conservative to extravagant".

http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/nov/03/photo-highlights-of-the-day-slacklining-in-rio-and-excited-racegoers
Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

- What is happening in the picture?
- What was the first thing you noticed?
-How high do you think that wire is?
- What is attached to his ankle?

Explain the picture

- Why do you think women wanted a female only festival?
- Why do you think they changed their minds?
- Why is the man wearing a dress on the high wire?
- Do you think he is bothered about wearing a dress? What is the most important thing to him?
- How do you think he felt when he finished the line?

Community Cohesion - Poppy day - British values

A group of young Muslims in the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Youth Association are hoping to raise £40,000 for the Poppy Appeal this year. Their message is, "Peace and unity between all nations, peoples and religions." 

Spokesperson Farooq Aftab said, 

""The poppy is not about war; it’s about solidarity and showing loyalty to one’s country and standing together for a worthy cause. It’s about communities standing together as one."

"Lots of Muslims actually served in World War I and World War II and lots have ancestors who served in the army. We therefore hope that our participation is a clear indication of our desire for peace and unity between all nations, peoples and religions."

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/29/young-muslims-poppy-selling-rembrance-_n_2038318.html

- What is happening in this picture?

- What are the Poppies for, why do people wear Poppies every November?

Explain what is happening in the picture

- Why do the young people in this picture want to sell poppies?

- The Tshirts say, "Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve"- what does this mean?

- Why don't the Tshirts say, "Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve but only if they are men" or "Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve but only if they are Christian" or "Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve who are not gay"? (because there are people serving from every background)

- what is the most important word in that sentence? (all)

- What can we learn from these young people?

Diversity in the UK

This passport map of London is created by artist Yanko Tihov, who trained in Sofia and now works in London. Yankov has built an image of London using 32 passports of some of the foreign nationals living there.

Yankov says, "I understand how imperative it is for creative people to be able to travel where they feel safe and nourished. Having this freedom to move and travel, I believe artists push the future ahead of them
http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/the-passport-map-of-london-is-beautiful--WkoFhgoFDx

- What is this an image of?
- What is the white line running through the middle?

Explain what the picture is

- Why do you think the artist used passports to create an image of London?
- What does this show us about London?
- What does "Diverse" mean? How is London diverse?
- Are other cities in the UK diverse?
- What is good about living in a diverse place?

Empathy

Godfrey Cuotto a 21 year old student from Ontario, Canada, was on his way home from work when a stranger approached him and asked to shake his hand. Godfrey realised the man needed comfort and sat for a thirty minute journey holding his hand while the man leaned against him. Godfrey later found out the man. called Robert, had cerebral palsey and was deaf.

Fellow passengers praised Godfrey and tweeted the picture. Godfrey later told a radio station, "Sometimes you have to be selfless and put someone else's needs above yours".

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/man-praised-for-holding-hands-with-stranger-with-disabilities-on-the-bus-to-comfort-him-a6689741.html

- What is happening in this photo?
- Do you think the two men know each other?

Explain the story behind the photo

- What do you think Godfrey thought or felt when Robert first approached him?
- Why do you think Godfrey let Robert hold his hand?
- Why didn't Godfrey pull away from Robert after five minutes?
- What does this say about Godfrey?
- How can we make sure we behave like Godfrey in our school?

British Values - celebrating diversity

Nadiya Hussain won The Great British Bake Off last week in the most watched programme of the year in the UK (13.4 million viewers). Nadyia said at the beginning of the show she felt nervous; "Perhaps people would look at me, a Muslim in a headscarf, and wonder if I could bake"

However when she won, Nadiya said:
"I'm never going to put boundaries on myself ever again.
I'm never going to say I can't do it.
I'm never going to say maybe.
I'm never going to say I don't think I can.
I can and I will"
Photograph: Love Productions/Press Association
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/oct/08/nadiya-hussain-has-won-so-much-more-than-the-great-british-bake-off

- Who is this?
- What is The Great British Bake Off about?
- Why do you think Nadia felt  unconfident at the start?
- How did she feel at the end?
- What can we all learn form Nadiya?

Use this story to promote and celebrate the diversity that exists in the UK.

Empowering children in Afghanistan

A girl juggles as part of the Mobile Mini Circus campaign in Afghanistan, dedicated to empowering young people. Their website explains the aim is to to teach children to lead; "Children know best how to communicate with other children." The goal is to encourage children to create ways to spread fun education throughout Afghanistan.
 Photograph: Jalil Rezayee/EPA
http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/oct/07/photo-highlights-of-the-day#img-9


- What is the child doing? Why?
- Where do you think she is?

Explain the photo

-What does empowered mean?
- Why do you think the Mobile Mini Circus wants children to be empowered?
- Why do you think they are teaching this girl to juggle?
- Do you think she could juggle straight away? How do you think she felt when she achieved her goal?
- What might she do next?
- Would you like to learn to juggle? What does this tell us about children in Afghanistan? (they like the same things as us)

Safety- consequences- we all feel the same emotion

This man climbed to the top of the Krymsky Bridge in Moscow to take a selfie, but could not climb back down again by himself.

Photograph: Tass/Barcroft Media

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/sep/29/photo-highlights-of-the-day

- What is this man doing?

-Where is he? How did he get there? Why do you think he went there?

Tell the children what he tried to do and what happened.

- Why do people take selfies? 

- How do you think he felt as he was climbing up the bridge?

- Was this a safe thing to do?

- What was the consequence for him?

- What could have happened to him?

- What should he have done instead?

- How do you think he felt as he was carried down?

Democracy around the world

In Barcelona, Spain, people vote in Catalan elections.

- What is happening in the picture?

- Why are there curtains around each person?

-Why do people vote in elections?

- What does democracy mean?

- In a democracy can everyone vote? In the UK does anyone say, "You can't vote because you are a different gender." or, "You can't vote because you follow a different religion"? Why not?

- Why do we have the Equality Act in the UK?

Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/sep/27/the-weekend-in-pictures

Religion and diversity

This image shows the traditional ritual of Tashlich which is being performed here by Orthodox Jews on the Mediterranean  Sea, The believers cast their sins in to the water and fish on the day before the day of Atonement, Yom Kipper, the most important day of the Jewish Calendar (in 2015, 22nd September)

Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/sep/21/photo-highlights-of-the-day-dragon-boats-and-fashion

Use this photo to lead a discussion on how different religions celebrate important days. For example this week Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha, marking the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

-What religions are followed in our school?

- What do we say about different religions in our school? Are all religions welcome? (yes!)

- Why is it good to hear about different religions and faiths?

Education around the world

South Sudan: School children carry banners as part of a UNICEF sponsored, "Back To Learning" campaign following conflict that has weakened the education system.

https://medium.com/photography-and-social-change/back-to-school-3da45ee1a35a

© UNICEF/NYHQ2015–1513/McIlwaine

- Why are the children marching?

- Why does the boy in the picture hold that banner?

- Why do you think that school is so important to this child?

- How many children are absent from our school today?

- If he could speak to them, what do you think the boy in the picture would say to those children absent from our school today? 

Democracy- Dutch Parliament opening day

Riders of the Dutch cavalry rehearse for "Princes Day", the annual opening of the Dutch parliament on the 3rd Tuesday of September where the reigning monarch addresses the house to set out government policy. The smoke is from grenades used in the ceremony which includes a military procession.

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/sep/14/photo-highlights-of-the-day-new-york-fashion-and-refugees-in-europe

Photograph: Phil Nijhuis/AP

- What is democracy? 

- What is a parliament used for?

- How do people get to be part of the government or the Prime Minister?

- Does the UK hold a similar event? (The UK holds a state opening where the Queen's speech sets out government agenda. In 2015 the state opening was after the election in May)

- Where are the Houses of Parliament in the UK?

-Why do you think we have a special day to open Parliament each year? (to celebrate democracy)

British Values- The Proms

This banner was displayed during the last night of the proms concert in the Royal Albert Hall, September 12th 2015. Earlier in the day there was a demonstration in central London in support of refugees.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/13/refugees-welcome-banner-steals-show-last-night-proms-royal-albert-hall?CMP=twt_gu
Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

-What does the Last Night Of The Proms celebrate?
-Why are people waving union jacks?
- What famous songs are sung at the event?
- Everyone in the picture is smiling and looking happy; why do you think this is?
- What is the sign about?
- Why do you think the people in the picture displayed their sign? What did they want to achieve?
- The banner was on display throughout the evening. Why didn't anyone take down the banner? What does this say about the people in the Royal Albert Hall that night?

Working together

Photograph: Jason Peters/AP

On 31st July 2015 164 members of the international skydiving team broke the world record for skydiving formation, over Illinois USA. This was their 13th attempt to build a shape resembling a giant flower. The previous record was 138.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2015/jul/31/world-record-skydiving-formation-in-pictures

-What is happening in this picture?
- The skydiving team are an "International" team, what does that mean?
- How did the team make this happen?
- Do you think anyone on the team said, "I'm not holding his hand because we are a different religion," or, "I'm not holding your hand because we are from a different country". Did anyone say, "We have skin that is a different colour so we can't hold hands"?
- What was the consequence when everyone worked together?
- How do you think the team felt when they were skydiving?
-You can see one skydiver is apart from the group and has not made the formation. What do you think the others are shouting to that skydiver? Do you think someone let the skydiver in?
- What are we going to do in school this year to make sure we can work together like this?

Humanity - help for refugees

Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

Donations for refugees are sorted in Munich, Germany, 4/9/15

- What is happening in this photo?
- What do you think are in the bags and boxes?
-Where has it all come from?

Explain these are donations for refugees travelling in Europe.

- Why are there so many donations?
- What does this say about people watching the refugees arriving in Europe?
- How will the donations affect the families travelling?
- Can we do anything to help in our school?

 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/5-practical-ways-you-can-help-refugees-trying-to-find-safety-in-europe-10482902.html

Humanity- football fans welcome refugees

Football fans in Germany have been showing support for refugees arriving in their country. These banners were seen at football matches over the weekend August 29-30 2015 and organisers in the city Dortmund also offered free tickets as part of a scheme called "Angekommen in Dortmund" whcih translates as "arrived in Dortmund" and helps newly arrived people to settle in.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/11834636/German-football-fans-welcome-refugees-and-invite-hundreds-to-watch-match.html

- What's happening in the photo, what do the banners say?

-Why do you think football fans are holding up those banners? What is happening around Europe at the moment?

-What do the banners say about Germany and football fans in Germany?

- How do you think the banners make people who are trying to settle in Germany feel?

-What do we say in our school about people being different? Do we welcome everyone?

LGBT Football support

On August 30th 2015, the University Blacks, a football team in Australia changed their strip for one with rainbow colours to show support for the "gay, that's ok" campaign. The team also painted their 50m line with rainbows.

The team were inspired by former team member Lachlan Beaton, who hid his sexuality for years before coming out to this team. 

Other football teams in Australia are now planning to show support in future games. 

- What looks different about the football team shirts?

- What can rainbow colours be used to show support for?

-Why do the football team want to show support for gay people? Are all the footballers in the photo gay?

Tell the children about Lachlan Beaton

-Why do you think Lachlan didn't tell his team mates he was gay?

-How do you think Lachlan feels about his team wearing the rainbow colours?

- What do the rainbow colours tell us about this football team?

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/08/30/this-football-team-changed-their-strip-in-a-cool-show-of-support-for-lgbt-people/

Traditions around the world

Handan, China. Children take part in the Chinese tradition of eating watermelons or peaches, 'biting away summer' to symbolise the beginning of the autumn. In 2015 the beginning of autumn started on August 8th.

- Do you think the children are enjoying taking part in this tradition?

- Why do you think the children are eating the watermelons in that way and not in a bowl with a spoon?

- Look at the face of the child behind the eaters; what is that child thinking/ saying?

- Why do you think watermelons or peaches are used to say goodbye to summer, not baked beans or chocolate?

- Do we have any traditions in the UK for celebrating summer or autumn (harvest festival)

City showing support for diversity

A road in Reykjavic, Iceland has been painted rainbow colours to celebrate gay pride in the city. The mayor of the city helped to paint the road and was joined by residents of the city. A large number of children came to help and brought their own paintbrushes. The mayor, Dagur Eggertsson said, "This is one was to make our city livelier, more human and simply a better place by great collaboration and beautiful thinking"

(Pink News 06/08/15)

- Where is Iceland?
- Why is the road painted rainbow colours?
- What is Gay pride? Do other cities around the world hold gay prides? Does the city where we live have a gay pride?
- What does this picture say about Reykjavic's attitude towards people who are gay?
- Why did so many people join in the painting?
- Look at the mayors quote; how can a painted road make a city "more human and a better place?"

Helping others

Ledu County, China
This train is a mobile hospital donated by people of Hong Kong and Macau to people of China.It helps people with cataracts for free and has had 900 patients since arriving 3 months ago.
Photograph: Simon Zo/Reuters

- What is happening in this photo, what do their clothes suggest they are doing?
(explain the photo)
- Why are the people holding hands?
- There are people of different genders and ages in that line and they may follow different faiths or come from different parts of China yet they are all helping each other. If one person in the line refused to hold another's hand what would happen? What does this tell us about different people?
- Why did people from a different place donate a hospital for patients they don't know and will never meet?
- What does this tell us about humans around the world?

Immigration discusssion

Gevgelija, Macedonia

A man and his pregnant wife look for a train to take them to Serbia and Northern Europe. They are fleeing war in Syria. They have walked for 124 miles across Macedonia to get to the border with Serbia.

Photograph: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jul/28/photo-highlights-of-the-day

- Show the children where Macedonia is in relation to UK, France, Syria.
- Is it safe to walk on train tracks? Why are this couple doing that?
- Why are they running away from Syria? What are they hoping to find?
- Why do people move to live in different countries? Can we always choose where we live?
- How do you think the couple in the photo are feeling? What do they need?
- Are stories like this happening anywhere else in the world today?
- In what ways are the people in this photo different to us and in what ways are they the same?
- This photo was taken on 28th July 2015, what do we hope they are doing now?

Equality and tolerance celebration

The Hamburger Dom funfair in Hamburg, Germany holds a "Rainbow day" to celebrate tolerance and equality (July 31st 2015)
Photograph: Henrik Josef 
http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jul/31/photo-highlights-of-the-day-migrant-clashes-and-wildfires

- What does tolerance and equality mean?
- Why have the people running the funfair chosen to hold a day that celebrates tolerance and equality?
- Why call the day "Rainbow day"?
- What kind of ride is the rainbow circle?
- How has the photographer made the big wheel look like that? (they used a low exposure)
- What does the day tell us about the people living in Hamburg?

Children around the world

August 2015: Children are playing cricket on the outskirts of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan.
http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/aug/03/photo-highlights-of-the-day-wild-horses-and-thai-kings

- Where do you think this photo was taken?
- What feelings are the children experiencing?
- What do you think the child holding the stick up is doing?
- Where is Afghanistan?
- How might the children in this photo be different to you?
- How are the children in this photo similar to you?
- The time in Afghanistan is 3 and a half hours ahead of UK time. What time is it there now and what do you think the boy in the picture might be doing?
- What does this photo tell us about children living in Afghanistan today?

Around the world

Dunedin, New Zealand
Baldwin St is the steepest street in the world with a gradient of 1:2:86 (19 degree slope). This is an annual charity race (in July) where jaffa candies are rolled down the street. Each sweet is sponsored by one person with a prize to the winner and proceeds to charity.

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jul/17/photo-highlights-of-the-day-fires-in-greece-to-floods-in-scotland

-What is happening in the picture?
-Where do you think it is?
- Why are people rolling sweets down the road?
- How are the contestants feeling?
- The road is 350m long; how long do you think the sweets take to roll to the bottom?
- What does this competition tell us about the people who live on and around Baldwin St?

Global awareness

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jun/09/wembley-arch-photo-highlights

Children in Langgai village, West Sumatra, Indonesia travel to school every day by travelling through rice fields and crossing rivers on ropes.

- What is happening in this picture?
- Do you think the children are playing? Is this a safe place to play?
- Some of the children are carrying bags- what else could they be doing?

Explain the children are on their way to school and have to cross this river every day using this rope.

- How would it feel to do that every day? The weather in the photo is sunny but what would that crossing be like if it was raining?
- The children must really want to go to school! Why do you think they want to go to school so badly?
- Ask the children to consider how their lives are similar to the lives lead by the children in the photo, and how their lives are different.

Show children on a map where Indonesia is. Remind children that not all children in Indonesia have to cross rivers to get to school, but for these children it is something they have to do every day.

gender- football

England manager Mark Sampson said his team had matched their male counterparts from 1966 and 1990 by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup. “They are history-makers again, the third ever England team to get to a semi-final,” he said. “They have shown a desire I’ve never seen from an England team before to hang on in there and get us through to the next round.”
His team – a diverse, now largely professional, group of 23 women – have created an extraordinary bond and unity of purpose. From Chelsea’s Claire Rafferty, who works as an analyst for Deutsche Bank, to Katie Chapman, a mother of three, and Eniola Aluko, taking a sabbatical from her career as a lawyer to turn professional, they appear to peaking in perfect synchronicity.
“England women doing the country proud. Huge congratulations on reaching the semi finals,” wrote the captain of the men’s team, Wayne Rooney – who earns £300,000 a week, compared to the women’s captain Steph Houghton’s £35,000 a year. 
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/28/englands-victory-a-game-changer-for-womens-football

• What is happening in the picture?
• Why are they celebrating? (2:1 victory against Canada; they are in the semi finals)
• How well did the UK male teams do in the last world cup?
• How much does the captain of the UK men's football team paid compared to the captain of the UK women's team?
• Why?
• What do we say in our school about girls and boys playing football?

Religion- gender

This week on Monday evening, some Muslims ending their fast in Dubai got a surprise: an iftar meal from the local Sikh Gurdwara. 

Members of the Al Manar Islamic Centre had their iftar meal provided by the Guru Nanak Darbar - the biggest Gurdwara in the Gulf region. Afterwards, scholars from both religions held a discussion on the values they shared.
Surinder Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Gurdwara, said it was an excellent opportunity to "forget our egos and come together and share a meal with our Muslim brothers."

He told Gulf News: "We consider the month of Ramadan an excellent time to observe interfaith harmony and bond with the community."

http://bendit.tv/35

• What is happening in the photo?
• Why did people following Sikh and Muslim faith eat together in the Gudwara?
• What does this photo show us about different religions?
• What do you notice about the gender of the attendees?
• Next year how can the Gudwara make their meal even more inclusive?
• Shall we write to the Gudwara and thank them for inviting people of different faith to their meal, and suggest next time they invite people of different gender too?

Age- Sexual orientation- Marriage

Vivian Boyack, 91, left, and Alice "Nonie" Dubes, 90, began a new chapter in their 72-year relationship when the Rev. Linda Hunsaker presided over their wedding Saturday June 27th 2015 at First Christian Church, Davenport (the day after gay marriage is legalised in USA)

http://qctimes.com/news/local/wedding-vows-open-new-chapter-in--year-relationship/article_e350e94e-4eb4-551b-ad6a-d84092f7ec3f.html

• What is happening in this photo?
• Why have Vivian and Alice waited for so long to get married?
• How do you think they are feeling in that photo?
• Is it fair that their friends who are male and female could get married but they were not allowed to?
• What do we say in our school about marriage?

gay marriage demo USA

Gay rights supporters celebrate after the US supreme court decision Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters

• Who are these people and where are they? What clues are in the picure?
• Why are they cheering?
• Why is there placard that says, "LOVE"?
• Another placard says, "Justice and equality NOW!" - why?
• Is there a mix of ethnicities and genders in the photo? What does this tell us about supporters for LBGT equality?
• In what other countries is Gay and lesbian marriage now legal?

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2015/jun/26/gay-marriage-supreme-court-celebrations-in-pictures
As of 26 June 2015, eighteen countries (Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage

British values- age- respect

Sword Beach, France Normandy veteran Alan King, from the Norwich and District NVA, holds a photo of himself (front second left) and his comrades from B Company taken on VE Day 1945, as dozens of British veterans made a cross-Channel pilgrimage to Normandy to honour the legacy of comrades killed in the D-Day landings 71 years ago. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

http://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2015/jun/05/photo-highlights-of-the-day

• Who is this man?
• Why does he wear medals?
• Who do you think is in the photo he holds?
• What happened on June  6th 1944?
• Why does Alan King want this photo to be seen?
• What do you think are his feelings about that time?

I also showed the children a photo of D-Day landings and then on a world map where the beaches were and where soldiers came from.