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School Improvement Service
Preventing Violent Extremism
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003814
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Building on existing work in schools
The Government’s strategy for preventing violent extremism has five strands designed to address the factors that research suggests can cause people to become involved in this form of criminal activity. The Government has a ‘Prevent’ strategy as part of its overall approach to countering terrorism with the aim of preventing people becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism.
The Prevent strategy has five strands designed to address the factors that research suggests can cause people to become involved in Al Qaida-associated violent extremism. These factors are also relevant to preventing other forms of violent extremism.
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The five strands are:
●challenging the violent extremist ideology and supporting mainstream voices
●disrupting those who promote violent extremism and supporting institutions where they may be active
●supporting individuals who are being targeted and recruited to the cause of violent extremism
●increasing the resilience of communities to violent extremism
●addressing grievances, both genuine and perceived, that ideologues are exploiting. These can stem from national or international issues – for example relating to foreign policy, or perceptions of distorted media representation; or be based on local perceptions of inequality or experiences of racism or community conflict
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In a school context the five strands are to:
1. understand how an extremist narrative which can lead to harm can be challenged by staff in schools; and model to pupils how diverse views can be heard, analysed and challenged in a way which values freedom of speech and freedom from harm
2. understand how to prevent harm to pupils by individuals, groups or others who promote violent extremism, and manage risks within the school
3. understand how to support individuals who are vulnerable through strategies to support, challenge and protect
4. increase the resilience of pupils and of school communities through helping pupils acquire skills and knowledge to challenge extremist views, and promoting an ethos and values that promotes respect for others
5. use teaching styles and curriculum opportunities which allow grievances to be aired, explored and demonstrate the role of conflict resolution and active citizenship
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In June 2008, the Government published guidance to local partners on preventing violent extremism that emphasised the importance of working with children and young people and encouraged local partnerships to engage with schools and colleges.
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Government guidance to local partners on preventing violent extremism emphasises the importance of working with children and young people ande encourages local partnerships to engage with schools and colleges.
June 2008
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Guide for Partners
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Strategy for Delivery
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The toolkit supplements that guidance, responding to calls for more practical advice specifically focused on the education context. It is the product of discussions with young people, teachers, local authorities, police and community representatives across the country.
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The toolkit seeks to:
- raise awareness amongst schools of the threat from violent extremist groups and the risks for young people
- provide information about what can cause violent extremism, about preventative actions taking place locally and nationally and about where schools can get additional information and advice
- help schools understand the positive contribution they can make to empowering young people to create communities that are more resilient to extremism, and protecting the wellbeing of particular pupils or groups who may be vulnerable to being drawn into violent extremist activity
- provide advice on managing risks and responding to incidents locally, nationally or internationally that might have an impact on the school community
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- provide effective pupil support processes
- raise staff awareness on key issues
- form good links with police and other partners to share information
- access external support from statutory or voluntary organisations
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- use curriculum to challenge extremist narratives
- allow space for debate and increase staff confidence in discussing controversal issues
- understand local issues and tensions with help from LA and police
- develop network of community contacts and links with mentors and role models
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- promote ECM outcomes, community cohesion, equalities and wellbeing
- implement effective anti-bullying policies
- focus on narrowing the attainment gap for all groups
- promote pupils' wider skill development in teaching and learning e.g. SEAL
- encourage active citizenship and pupil voice
- develop links with families and local communities, including through extended schools
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Practical advice to schools in four areas
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Further information and resources
Information and resources relating to extremism issues
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DCSF Publications
You can download the toolkit and other publication or order copies online by searching for ref: DCSF-00804-2008
DCSF Publications
PO Box 5050
Sherwood Park
Annesley
Nottingham NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Textphone: 0845 60 555 60
Please quote the ref:
00804-2008BKT-EN
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Drama
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Khayaal Theatre Company’s
‘Hearts and minds’ is a production for schools and
colleges which aims to encapsulate some of the dilemmas and discourses occupying the hearts and
minds of young people, including issues of extremism. |
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GW Theatre Company
One of the best touring theatre companies in the UK . The company specialises in the production of entertaining and gripping theatre that deals unflinchingly with pressing social issues that touch us all. |
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