TPL 2: Teaching Sensitive and Controversial Issues

About this programme

Introduction and Programme Aim

Addressing the teaching of sensitive and controversial issues can be difficult for school leaders and teachers and shared partnerships. The main reason for this is that they are issues which divide people’s opinions within society. Groups of people within society may hold different values. They promote opposing viewpoints. They offer alternative interpretations and explanations for events to suit their position or agenda (Stradling, 1985).

Sensitive and controversial issues can arise in all subjects. Whether they are planned or unplanned. Schools, teachers and shared partnerships need to be prepared to discuss these issues with young people.

Teaching sensitive and controversial issues can be challenging because they may be based on or lead to conflicting values and arouse strong feelings in pupils. However, there are significant benefits.

Pupils can gain a deeper understanding of such issues. They can develop skills such as critical thinking and how to communicate better. They can become more emotionally aware. Research also suggests that learning about controversial issues helps prepare pupils for civic and political participation (Barton and McCully, 2007a).

This programme has been adapted from two key sources;

CCEA resources on Teaching Controversial Issues.

Tackling Controversial Issues in the Citizenship Classroom

(published by the CDVEC Curriculum Development Unit)

Overarching Aim:

To support teachers in Shared Education partnerships to;

explore their understanding of sensitive and controversial issues,
consider why and how they should teach them, and
consider and find solutions to the challenges this may bring.

Module Structure

The module is divided into four sections which can be accessed using the images below or using the left hand navigation panel.

A Teachers Learning Journal, linked to the module activities has been created to support your professional development and reflective practice.

It can be accessed and downloaded from the Key Resources section below.

The module is designed to support teachers from all sectors.

Teachers should engage in with content and adapt it to reflect the context of their partnership, school, key stage, pupils and community.

What are the benefits to being taught S & CIs.docx

What are Sensitive and Controversial Issues?

Why should they be taught?

How do we teach these in classrooms?

What are the challenges?

External Voice

The module provides opportunities for practitioners to listen to views from external voices within this field. Details of each contributor to the module have been outlined below:

Gavin Boyd - Rainbow Project

Gavin is the Policy and Advocacy Manager at The Rainbow Project and supports staff to deliver hate crime advocacy and relationships and sexuality education across Northern Ireland. Gavin joined The Rainbow Project in 2010 and since then has worked to understand the needs of the community through listening and research. He then translates these needs into organisational priorities for engaging with government and statutory services. A major focus of his work has been to make schools safe and welcoming for LGBTQ young people.

Sean Pettis - NICIE

Sean has 18 years’ experience in the design, delivery, evaluation and research of community relations and active citizenship programmes as both a trainer of educators and a youth work practitioner. He holds a BA Joint Hons in Modern History & Politics and an MSc in Community Youth Work. Sean has previously worked with International Voluntary Service – Northern Ireland, the Community Relations Council and youth civic engagement initiative, Public Achievement, in a range of roles relating to the promotion of Peace and Reconciliation work. Sean is currently working with NICIE to support the Integrated Sector across Northern Ireland.

Sean was previously the Programme Manager for Legacies of Conflict. He has developed and managed a range of programmes within Corrymeela, relating to addressing the legacies of conflict. These include an initiative focused on the history and heritage of the Ulster Plantations, the commemoration of challenging centenaries and the development of films that explore the ‘Troubles’.

Dr Gavin Duffy - Queen's University Belfast

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORK

Gavin is currently a member of the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at QUB. His work is primarily focused on shared education. While this work began in Northern Ireland, Gavin also worked in various international settings such as the Israel, the US and Lebanon promoting school collaboration and investigating the benefits school networks.

A key aspect of his work has involved him working closely with teachers and school leaders exploring approaches to collaborative professional development and models of educational leadership and school improvement. Other research interests include custodial education as he has worked and researched with the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

Practitioner Voice

The module provides opportunities for practitioners to listen to practitioners who are currently working within Shared Education Partnerships. Information on each of the practitioners involved are outlined below:

Mark Kirkwood - Ligoneil PS, partnered with St. Vincent De Paul PS & St. Gerard's Special School, Belfast

Mark is currently the Shared Education Coordinator within the partnership. He has helped to develop SE Programmes for pupils, teachers and parents throughout the duration of the Shared Education Signature Project. Mark has also experience of leading Joint Practice Development (JPD) Programmes across a Cluster of schools within North Belfast. Mark was also recently seconded to EA to support the development of Shared Education

Deborah Armstrong - Ebrington PS partnered with Holy Child PS, Derry/Londonderry

Deborah has helped to drive and coordinate Shared Education within her partnership. She has been responsible for the development of a Sensitive & Controversial Issues Programme within Key Stage two. Deborah was recently seconded to EA to support the development of Shared Education and has returned to her partnership with new ideas and approaches.

Denver Charles - Magherafelt HS partnered with St. Pius X, St, Mary's GS, Sperrin Integrated, Rainey Endowed & Kilronan Special School

Denver has been central to the development of the Magherafely Shared Education Partnership. His ability to coordinate 6 schools to engage in regular Shared Activity, while promoting the ethos and culture of a shared society, is key to the progression of the partnership. Denver has also been heavily involved in Post-Primary History Programme which explore Northern Ireland as a post-conflict society.

Patricia Marcus - St. Malachy's College, Belfast partnered with Belfast Royal Academy

Patricia has been responsible for the coordination of her partnership throughout the Shared Education Signature Project. Patricia has worked with CCEA to develop numerous resources and materials associated with Learning for Life and Work (LLW). Patricia was recently seconded to EA to share her experience and expertise as a Teacher Developer. Patricia has a passion for this area of work and continues to tackle the challenging issues and topics in her partnership.