Benjamin Zephaniah

 

Who is this? What is he doing? What do you think his job is?

This is Benjamin Zephaniah, a British poet who died last week aged 65 and is being remembered as a titan of British literature.

"A titan of British literature" what does that mean? 

What is a poet? How do you become a poet? What sort of education do you think Benjamin had to become a poet, what do you think his childhood was like, how well do you think he did at school?

Benjamin was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham. He was dyslexic (what is dyslexia?) and left school at 13 with no qualifications and unable to read or write.

As a child, Benjamin experienced domestic violence and thought it was the norm; he recalled, "I once asked a friend of mine, 'What do you do when your dad beats your mum?' and he went: 'He doesn't'

I said, 'Ah you come from one of those, like, feminist houses. So what do you do when your mum beats your dad?"

Why did Benjamin think parents fighting was the norm? What did he learn that day?

He started to write dub poetry, a Jamaican style of work and when he was 22 he moved to London and published his first poetry book, called, “Pen Rhythm”.

He has spoken out on many issues such as racism and education and become famous for using his voice. In 2008 he was named as one of the top 50 post war British writers.

There are so many poems and performances to explore, I have chosen four because I couldn’t pick just one. The first is called “Who’s who”

I used to think nurses
Were women,
I used to think police
Were men,
I used to think poets
Were boring,
Until I became one of them.

What is Benjamin saying in this poem? Listen to the rhythm in these lines; what do you notice, how does using rhyme affect the poem? 

What do you think makes this a good poem? 

How might this poem be about No Outsiders?

This poem was written as  response to Covid and Black Lives matter in 2021:

Benjamin Zephaniah poem 'people will always be people' (UK/Global) - BBC - 5th June 2020 - YouTube

This poem is called “Talking Turkey’s”

Benjamin Zaphaniah poem from Literacy Evolve for Primary Literacy pupils - YouTube

And finally, possibly the best No Outsiders poem ever written! "The British" 

https://youtu.be/dZ1yYOAwvvo?si=Npwol63Q20bpAwvy

Thank you, Benjamin.

Tree

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67520722?fbclid=IwAR04_E_jhR0aKKJwmZKYCjlTES-3p6e4OiRJo9sjf7hZhRrmpJkfFBd3dBE

What do you see in the picture? Who are they, where are they? what are they doing, why are they doing it?

The picture shows a Christmas tree in Nordmarka, Norway, being felled ahead of its journey to London to Trafalgar Square.

Why is London having a Christmas tree that was grown in Norway, why don't we use a tree grown in England?

Every year the Norwegian people send a Christmas tree to London. The first was 1947 so how many years has this been happening? (76)

Why do you think Norway send a Christmas tree to England every year?

The tradition was started as a thank you to the UK government who welcomed the Norwegian government and King when Norway was invaded in 1940. 

Who invaded Norway in 1940, what was happening in Europe? Did this make the Norwegian government and the King refugees? Why did the UK government welcome them? Why didn't the government at the time say no?

People in Norway in 1940  felt that London represented the "Spirit of freedom" during the difficult war years. 

What does that mean? How was London different to Norway in 1940?

Who do you think was chosen to fell the tree in Norway? What jobs do you think those two people hold? 

The picture shows the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Lord Mayor of Oslo felling the tree. 

Why do you think they were chosen to fell the tree? 

Here is a picture of the first Christmas tree from Norway, in 1947.

What does tradition mean, why do traditions carry on?

What does this tradition show about Europe in 1940, in 1947 and today?

What can we learn from the people of Norway?

Why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com

Dr Who

 

https://metro.co.uk/2023/11/25/doctor-fans-no-notes-non-binary-representation-19880271/

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/24/im-in-awe-trans-actor-yasmin-finney-on-joining-doctor-who

The 60th anniversary of Dr Who was celebrated over the weekend with a new series. Many Dr Who fans praised the LGBTQ+ representation in the programme.

What does LGBTQ+ stand for?

What is representation? 

There were several scenes featuring non-binary characters. In one scene the Dr meets Meep, an extra-terrestrial character, and assumes their pronouns, referring to them as "he". The character corrects the Dr, saying they prefer to use the definite article the Meep.

Later the Dr revealed their own gender identity saying they are "Male and Female. And neither. And more."

In the episode we met Rose Noble, a new character who identifies as non-binary. Rose is played by trans actor Yasmin Finney who announced in July at a trans pride event that her DR Who character was also trans, "I exist, you know I exist. We all exist and we're not going anywhere."

Earlier this year, Yasmin spoke about her previous character Elle in the Netflix series Heartstopper, Elle is a trans character but her trans identity is barely mentioned in the series. Yasmin said this gave her hope for more visibility in the future; "I would think there's hope - a black trans person on the screen. So young, so authentic, and so natural. You do not understand: the amount of time I've spent searching for representation, clawing for it and trying to find someone I could look up to as an idol, somebody that is a reflection of me."

Yasmin hopes in the future she won't be limited to just playing trans characters, "I will play trans roles for the rest of my life if I have to because I think every trans role is valid. But bring on the next role: trans, cis, alien, whatever!"

- what is non-binary?

- if it's the 60th anniversary, what year was Dr Who first aired?

- How was the UK different in 1963?

- Why does the Dr assume Meep's pronoun?

- Do pronouns matter?

- The Dr says they are "Male and Female. And neither. And more." what is your response?

- The Dr is a made up character on TV, so is this relevant to today? It's all just make-believe?

- Why did Yasmin say, "I exist, you know I exist. We all exist and we're not going anywhere." who is she talking about?

- "a black trans person on the screen. So young, so authentic, and so natural. You do not understand: the amount of time I've spent searching for representation, clawing for it and trying to find someone I could look up to as an idol, somebody that is a reflection of me." what does this mean? What is your response to this quote? 

- "But bring on the next role: trans, cis, alien, whatever!" what is Yasmin saying about actors here?

- Does it matter if characters are trans, non-binary, cis? You could argue  it doesn't matter; why do we need to know who a character is... What do you think?

- What can we learn from Yasmin?

- What do we say in our school about being LGBTQ+?

- Why is this about No Outsiders?

 No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com 

Eagle

 

https://www.upworthy.com/bald-eagle-who-adopted-a-rock-becomes-foster-dad-rp3

Murphy is a male bald eagle who lives at a bird sanctuary in Missouri, USA. He is 31 years old, which is old for a bald eagle; they usually live for 20-30 years.

Back in March, a keeper noticed Murphy had carefully constructed a nest of leaves around a rock and was protecting it like an egg. He would screech at other birds who came near, and would sit on the rock to keep it warm. Keepers discussed swapping the rock for a real egg but eagle eggs but there were none. Also eagles often do not react kindly to other chicks. Murphy previously lived with two female eagles but none were interested in each other.

Then in late March a next with two eagle chicks was blown down by high winds and they were bought to the sanctuary. One chick did not survive and the other needed a foster parent urgently. Murphy had never raised a chick before. Some keepers were worried this would not work...

Baby chicks cannot be introduced immediately to adult eagles so at first the chick had to be in a protective cage in Murphy's enclosure while the two birds got used to each other. But at some point the cage would have to be removed...

On April 12th the sanctuary released a statement: IT'S HAPPENING!

 

"This morning Murphy got his chance to be a parent as the chick left the nest. Chopped food is being dropped in to the nest but it appears the chick is unable to climb back in to the nest to get to the food. When we checked back we found all the chopped food still in the nest and the chick still out of the nest. However  Murphy's whole fish had been removed from the nest and baby had a full crop. The chick is not yet able to tear food which means MURPHY FED THE BABY!"

- what is a family?

- is this a family? explain your answer.

- Some people might argue Murphy should not have been given a chick; he is old, he is a male eagle, he has never raised a chick before, he might be dangerous... can you see both sides of the argument? How would you respond?

- Why didn't the keepers give the chick to an existing mother?

- Wat are the signs Murphy is going to be a good Dad? 

- What can we learn from Murphy?

- Why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com

-  

MP

 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/10/dadabhai-naoroji-blue-plaque-bromley-home-uk-indian-mp

What do you see in the picture, is it an old picture or taken recently? How do you know? What do you think this person's job is / was? 

This is Dadabhai Naoroji who was elected as an MP in Finsbury, North London, in 1892. This made him the first Indian MP in Britain. A blue plaque has been erected outside his home in Bromley to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. 

Dadabhai first stood for election in 1886 and was endorsed by Florence Nightingale but was unsuccesful. In 1892 he stood again and faced racist propaganda and discrimination. The prime minister of the time, Lord Salisbury, said the time had not come when a "British constituency would elect a black man". Some people also called him a fire-worshipper. Despite this, Dadabhai was elected. 

When he took his oath in Parliament, Dadabhai did not use a bible, instead he used his Zoroastrian holy book. 

When he was elected, The Guardian newspaper said, "It is an honour to England". During his term as MP, Dadabhai campaigned for Indian independence and also the right of women to sit in Parliament and for Irish home rule. 

The blue plaque is part of English Heritage attempts to celebrate more individuals of ethnic minority backgrounds. An analysis last year found 96% of blue plaques were awarded to white individuals. 

- what is a blue plaque for? Has anyone seen any other blue plaques?  

- why do we remember people that died a long time ago; does it matter?

- What does independence mean? What was Indian independence, why was it important?

- How do you think Dadabhai felt the first time he stood as an MP. How do you think he felt when Florence Nightingale endorsed him? What image do we have of Florence Nightingale and what does this story show us about her? (interested / involved in politics, supported race equality)

- why do you think the prime minister said Dadabhai would never be elected?

- why were some people calling him a fire-worshipper, how would this have made Dadabhai feel, why didn't he give up?

- He was elected anyway; what does this show us about people in Finsbury in 1892?

- "It is an honour to England" - why?

- MPs would usually use a bible to take their oath - what does that mean? Should Dadabhai have used a bible to fit in? Would using a bible have shown respect?

- why do you think 96% of blue plaques are for white people? Does this matter?

- what can we do at our school to make sure we recognise more people of ethnic minority from history?

- why is this about No Outsiders?

- which British value is this about?

No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders,com

Remembrance Sunday

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46124467

People across the UK held a two minute silence this weekend to remember all those who lost their lives in World War One and all wars around the world. World War One lasted from 1914-1918 and ended at 11:00 AM on 11th November 1918. The photo shows Indian troops serving with the British army praying outside a mosque in Surrey during the war.

It is estimated that 1.5 million Indian troops fought with Britain in World War 1, and 400,000 of those were Muslim soldiers. Recent research shows that over 4 million Muslims either fought or served as labourers during the war. But another survey shows only 22% of people in Britain knew that Muslims had fought in the war.

Today many historians are trying to make sure people know about everyone who fought and died in the war. Historian Steve Ballinger says, "Finding out that Muslim soldiers fought and died for Britain to protect us and protect the freedoms we enjoy today, that's an important history for everyone to know."

What do you see in the picture?
where is it ?
do you think it looks like an old picture? how can you tell?
what are they doing, who are they?

explain the picture

- what is Remembrance Sunday?
-why do we have Remembrance Sunday?
- World War One ended over 100 years ago, why do we remember it, why don't we just move on?
- what is the two minute silence for?
- who fought in World War 1?
- In the photo there are lots of people in the background watching the soldiers pray; what do you think they are thinking?
- why do you think some people today forget the soldiers in the war were diverse?
- "It's important history for everyone to know," why?
- what can we learn from the soldiers of World War One?
- why is this story about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders: everyone different, everyone welcome  by Andrew Moffat

www.no-outsiders.com

Football shirt

 

https://www.attitude.co.uk/news/everton-releases-limited-edition-rainbow-shirt-how-to-buy-447827/?fbclid=IwAR2_18FNON3FDizeTCCzqXkaxGO6FHvMRWJS3us_3NYmjDY-0rIP3GmNb2U

Everton have released a new football shirt.

Can you guess what the football shirt is for, what does it represent?

The shirt is to champion equality and to say that everyone is welcome in football. 

Sales from the shirt will support inclusion work carried out by the Everton football club. Projects focus on areas such as disability, youth engagement, social isolation, cultural diversity and LGBT+ inclusion.

CEO Alan Vad Nielsen said, "This jersey is more than just a piece of sportswear, it's a symbol of our enduring commitment to equality and unity."

"In the world of sports, we are all equal regardless of background, gender or beliefs. It's not only acceptable but commendable to embrace our differences and be true to ourselves."

"Through our equality jersey, we aim to unite coaches, players and fans from different clubs, spotlighting this essential value and sparking positive change in our sports community and beyond."

- "Sport is for everyone"- what is meant by this?

- is that statement obvious, do you think it needs to be said?

- How many gay premier league footballers can you name? (Jake Daniels, who plays for Blackpool, is currently the only gay footballer to come out)

- why do you think no premier league footballer has come out? Is that because there are none that are gay? 

- When Jake Daniels came out he said, "For a long time I thought I would have to hide my truth because I wanted to be a professional footballer. I asked myself, should I wait till I retire to come out? No other player here in the professional game is out.... I'm hoping that by coming out I can be a role model to help others come out if they want to.... if, by me coming out, other people look at me and feel maybe they can do it as well, that would be brilliant. If they think, 'This kid is brave enough to do this, I will be able to do it too."

- what is coning out?

- why is Jake saying coming out is a brave thing to do?

- why did Jake think he was going to have to hide his truth and wait till he retired to come out?

- Alan Vad Nielsem says, "It's not only acceptable but commendable to embrace our differences and be true to ourselves." how is this related to Jake's feelings?

- Can a shirt change the world?

-Alan calls for us to embrace our difference, not celebrate; what is the difference? Which word do you prefer? Do we have to celebrate to feel equal?

- what do we say at our school about difference and diversity?

- what can we learn from Everton?

- why is this about No Outsiders?

No Outsiders: Everyone different, everyone welcome by Andrew Moffat

ww.no-outsiders.com