Building Inclusive Curriculums

Inclusive curriculums are the key to celebrating diversity in the UK.

In today’s multicultural society, building inclusive curriculums is not just a trend but an essential aspect of education. It is so important for educators to reflect on how their curriculums can better reflect the diversity and cultural richness of British society. Embracing inclusive education means ensuring that students from all backgrounds see themselves represented in their learning, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among pupils.

Why is an inclusive curriculum important?

An inclusive curriculum ensures that students from different racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds feel valued and represented. It not only acknowledges the contributions of various ethnic groups but also challenges stereotypes and encourages critical thinking about race, identity and history.

Often curriculums consider themselves diverse by championing themed weeks or month, such as Black History Month, but it’s crucial to go beyond just a few lessons on prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela. While their contributions are invaluable, an inclusive curriculum should weave the narratives of Black history, culture and achievements throughout the year, not just during a designated month. This helps students see diversity as an integral part of all subject areas, from literature and science to history and art.

How to build an inclusive curriculum.

1. Diversify your teaching materials

One of the most effective ways to build an inclusive curriculum is by diversifying the teaching materials you use. Choose texts, resources and case studies that reflect a range of voices and experiences, particularly from underrepresented communities. This can include authors of diverse racial backgrounds, historical figures from different cultures, and scientific discoveries made by people of colour. By doing this, you allow students to see themselves in the content and broaden their understanding of the world around them.

2. Address racial inequality and social justice

Incorporating lessons about racial inequality, social justice and historical context is essential for building students’ understanding of complex societal issues. This can be done through discussions, group work or individual research projects. By tackling difficult subjects head-on, you help students develop empathy and critical thinking skills that will serve them well in life.

3. Incorporate resources designed for inclusivity

There are plenty of online resources that offer teaching materials designed for inclusivity, particularly around the subjects of race, culture and diversity. These can be useful in ensuring your curriculum is comprehensive and respectful of diverse perspectives.

Here are some excellent platforms to explore:

Twinkl.

Twinkl offers a wealth of resources tailored to diversity and inclusion. Their teaching packs include lesson plans, worksheets, and activities that cover everything from the contributions of Black Britons to lessons on anti-racism. Twinkl’s wide range of materials makes it easy to integrate these topics across different subjects and key stages.

BBC Teach.

The BBC Teach website has a range of educational videos and lesson plans specifically focused on diversity, race and culture. From exploring the lives of Black British historical figures to looking at the impact of slavery, their resources are age-appropriate and highly engaging for students.

The Black Curriculum.

This organisation is dedicated to delivering Black British history across the UK. Their lesson plans and workshops provide educators with tools to embed Black history throughout the school year, not just during Black History Month. Their resources are comprehensive and focus on making Black British history a part of mainstream education.

Teach First.

Teach First offers practical guidance and case studies on how to implement anti-racist teaching practices and build inclusive classrooms. Their resources support teachers in understanding the importance of embedding discussions around race and culture into everyday lessons.

TES Resources.

TES hosts a variety of teacher-created resources on topics like race, diversity and Black history. Educators can access lesson plans, presentations and reading lists that encourage discussion and awareness about race and equality.

4. Foster open dialogue and critical thinking

An inclusive curriculum thrives in an environment where open dialogue is encouraged. Create safe spaces in your classroom where students feel comfortable discussing issues of race, identity and culture. Encourage students to ask questions, share their own experiences, and explore topics from multiple perspectives. Teaching them how to engage in respectful conversations around sensitive topics will help them develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly diverse world.

5. Commit to continuous learning

As educators, it's important to recognise that building an inclusive curriculum is an ongoing process. Stay informed about new research, teaching strategies and resources that can help you improve your curriculum over time. Attend workshops, participate in webinars and engage with communities of educators who are also committed to inclusivity and diversity.

Building an inclusive curriculum is essential in shaping a generation that is aware, empathetic and equipped to engage with a diverse world. Diversity should be embedded throughout the academic year by diversifying teaching materials, fostering open discussions and utilising rich online resources like Twinkl and BBC Teach. All educators should aim to create classrooms where every student feels seen and valued.

At Gold Education Recruitment, we are committed to supporting schools and educators in their journey towards more inclusive and diverse curriculums. Our inclusive and respectful approach to finding the very best roles for education professionals is a popular choice for schools and candidates alike.

You can find out more about the latest vacancies we have available via our Jobs Board.