British values - gender

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42025131

Black Rod is a British tradition held in Parliament that dates back 650 years. Black Rod knocks on the door of the houses of Parliament to call MPs to the Queen's speech each year. In the tradition, the door of Parliament is slammed in Black Rod's face. Black Rod then has to knock three times to gain entry. This is symbolic and shows that parliament is separate from the King or Queen. 

There are letters mentioning Black Rod dating back to 1361. Since then every holder of the Black Rod position has been male. 

In 2017, the position of Black Rod has been given to a female. Sarah Clark is the first female Black Rod in 650 years. Sarah says, "I am truly looking forward to starting work".

What's happening in the picture?

Where do you think the picture was taken?

Explain the story

- What is parliament, who works there?

- Black Rod shows that Parliament in independent from the Queen. Think about the power that Kings and Queens had 500 years ago; why is the Black Rod tradition important? What does it show?

- Why do you think the Black Rod role has always been male?

- Why has this changed in 2017?

- What UK law says that people should not face discrimination because of gender? (Equality Act)

- The tradition of a male Black Rod has lasted for 650 years. What does this story demonstrate about ideas and traditions and change?

- What can we learn from the Houses of Parliament?

- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

"No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary Schools" by Andrew Moffat

"Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern" Britain by Andrew Moffat

Skateboard apology

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41915515

John Zelnio from Illinois, USA found an anonymous letter in his post containing $40 and a note from a skateboarder:

My friend pushed me in to your truck and I scratched your truck with my skateboard.... I am sending you my grass cutting money for the insurance... I will send you more next week when I finish some more yards next week."

John said he couldn't find any damage to his truck, but the letter, warmed his heart". He is trying to find out who the note was from so he can tell the skateboarder not to worry. John says, "It's great to know there are some great hearts out there doing the right thing."

John was asked what he would say if he met the young person:

"I'm very proud of you. I'm proud of your parents for raising such a good kid, and you should keep up the good work..... and here's your money back!"

What do you see in the picture?

What has happened?

explain the story

- Why has someone sent John $40?

- Where did they get the money?

- The skateboarder could have run off and denied the damage. Why didn't they?

- Why is John saying the note warms his heart?

- Why is John saying the skateboarder can keep the money?

- John and the skateboarder know nothing about each other- age, gender, race, religion. What does this story teach us about living in a community?

- What can we learn from the skateboarder?

- Why is this story about No Outsiders? 

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrw Moffat

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Birthday mountain

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/norway-finland-mountain-gift-present-border-birthday-anniversary-bj-rn-geirr-harsson-k-fjord-a7541941.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37662811

6th December 2017 marks 100 years since Finland was given independence and some people living in Norway want to give their neighbours a birthday present.

A campaign has been launched to give a mountain to Finland. Currently both Norway and Finland share Mount Halti but the peak lies in Norway, just 31 meters from the Finnish border. The campaign, led by a retired geophysicist Bjorn Gierr Harsson, aims to move the Norwegian border so that the peak lies in Finland.

The Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has recognised there are many people in Norway who want the mountain to be given to Finland; "This creative proposal has received a very positive response from the public...I welcome this and I see a clear sign that Norway and Finland have a close relationship."

However, it has been decided the gift is not possible because of constitutional and judicial problems. The Prime Minister has said another gift will be given instead.

The campaign continues with 17,000 signatures asking the government to change its mind. Bjorn says, "All over the world you find countries that fight or make war to enlarge their countries but in this case Norway is willing to give away a small part without asking for anything in return."

"It's a gift from the heart of the Norwegians to Finland so we don't expect anything back; we just want to give them something really nice when they celebrate 100 years as a free nation."

What do you see in the picture?
What do you think the story is about?

Explain the story

- What sort of presents do people usually get for a birthday?
- Why do you think someone wants to give a mountain as a birthday present?
- Norway and Finland are two different countries. What does this story show about the people who live in Norway and Finland?
- Why do the campaigners say they want nothing in return from Finland?
- How do you think the people of Finland felt when they heard about the campaign to give them a mountain?
- Some people who don't understand about diversity or No Outsiders might say that people in different countries cannot get along and should not be giving each other gifts of land. What does this story show us?
- What can we learn from Bjorn?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain by Andrew Moffat

Rainbow hijab

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/11/04/muslim-fashion-designer-creates-rainbow-hijab-to-support-same-sex-marriage/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PNFB&utm_content=JPM

A Muslim fashion designer in Australia has designed rainbow hijabs to show support for marriage equality. People in Australia are currently voting on whether gay or lesbian people should be allowed to marry.

The fashion company, MOGA, say, "During one of the most important and critical times in our nation's history, we at MOGA are proud to voice our support for marriage equality in Australia."

Azahn Munas, the founder of MOGA says, "Our pride scarf can be worn by anyone regardless of their skin colour, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. To demonstrate this we have even draped it as a hijab, a world first, to acknowledge that members of the LGBTQI community exist in all religions."

What do you see in the picture?
What do you think the story might be about?

Explain the story

- What is the vote in Australia about?
- In the UK, who is allowed to get married?
- What law in the UK says people should not face discrimination because of who they are (Equality Act 2010)
- Why have MOGA designed this scarf?
- MOGA say this is 'one of the most important and critical times in our nation's history" why is a vote on equal marriage so important?
- Why do you think MOGA have designed the scarf to be used as a hijab?
- Why does the founder of MOGA say members of the LGBTQI community exist in all religions?
-  Why does Azahn say the scarf can be worn by anyone regardless of skin colour, religious beliefs or sexual orientation?
- What can we learn from MOGA?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?

"No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools" by Andrew Moffat

"Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain" by Andrew Moffat

equalitiesprimary

Equal marriage

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/09/19/an-australian-teen-just-had-the-final-say-in-the-argument-for-same-sex-marriage/

12 year old Max joined a march in Australia last week to show support for marriage equality. In Australia this month people are voting to decide whether gay or lesbian people can get married. Currently men and women can marry each other but two men are not allowed to marry and two women are not allowed to marry.

Many people in Australia are campaigning for equal marriage. Max joined the march with a poster that read, "All I want is the right to marry Chris Hemsworth. You've got five years till I'm 18, Australia! You too, Chris!" Chris Hemsworth is an actor most famous for playing Thor in the Marvel film series. 

Last month Chris Hemsworth spoke out in favour of marriage equality in Australia. he said, "Marriage is about love and commitment and in a country based on equal citizenship, it should be available to everyone."

Max says, "I know I'm not actually going to marry Chris Hemsworth. It was a fun sign to draw attention to a serious matter."

"I decided to march on Sunday because I think it's fair that all Australians have the right to marry if they choose to."

What's happening in the picture?

Where do you think the picture is taken?

Explain the story

- Why is Max holding that placard?

- Why does Max say, "You've got five years till I'm 18, Australia!"

- Chris Hemsworth says marriage should be available to everyone; what does he mean?

- Max says he knows he's not really going to marry Chris; so why make the placard?

- In the UK, who is allowed to marry?

- Some people might say Max is too young to worry about equal marriage; how do you think Max would respond?

- What can we learn from Max?

- Why is this story about No Outsiders? 

No Outsiders in our school: teaching the Equality Act in Primary Schools by Andrew Moffat

Reclaiming radical ideas in schools: Preparing young children for life in modern Britain" by Andrew Moffat 

equalitiesprimary