Abstract
Child A, a Muslim girl was struggling with aspects of socialising and learning in the Year 6 Class. She had not been allowed by her father to take part in the class residential trip—the only child not to do so. In addition several parts of the curriculum were not available to her on grounds of her religious beliefs. The teacher seemed to carry some sadness and frustration that this child was unable to take full part in class activities.
Through consideration of ‘conscience group’ however, it is possible to see that the child's primary loyalties are to her family and culture—and that though she is sad she cannot take part in some things, she understands why and completely accepts the situation. An honouring of her cultural attachment and support for her in upholding them enables the teacher to play a more open and facilitating part in the child's learning.
At the end of term performance, the child sang an unaccompanied song beautifully. Her father, who hardly ever visits school because of the time pressures of his work, had slipped in to the hall a little late to hear her. She saw him and turned to her teacher to ask if she could sing an extra song just for her father. Again, unaccompanied, she sang a Turkish song exquisitely to her father. The whole hall of parents were moved and touched by her powerful performance, which was in a way a public declaration of her culture, language and loyalty
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Terry Ingham
Terry Ingham is the Managing Director of the nowhere foundation and a former teacher in secondary schools. He led on the design and sense making of the enhancing children's learning project. Judith Hemming is one of the lead constellators in the UK and was the inspiration for the project. A former teacher and lecturer in education, she is passionate about improving the quality of learning in schools. Jane James supported teachers through their learning and innovating in the classrooms. Unusually, she is actively involved in education at all levels from early years through to researching in Universities. She is also a governor at her local secondary school
nowhere foundation
The nowhere foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to expanding the creativity and consciousness of people, organisations and social systems. We work in community with leading edge practitioners and thinkers researching and developing approaches that lead to new ways of being, living and working together.
For further information: www.nowherefoundation.org or contact Terry Ingham, nowherefoundation, 2 Wallace Rd, Bath BA1 6QQ. 07866607789. [email protected]
Judith Hemming
Terry Ingham is the Managing Director of the nowhere foundation and a former teacher in secondary schools. He led on the design and sense making of the enhancing children's learning project. Judith Hemming is one of the lead constellators in the UK and was the inspiration for the project. A former teacher and lecturer in education, she is passionate about improving the quality of learning in schools. Jane James supported teachers through their learning and innovating in the classrooms. Unusually, she is actively involved in education at all levels from early years through to researching in Universities. She is also a governor at her local secondary school
nowhere foundation
The nowhere foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to expanding the creativity and consciousness of people, organisations and social systems. We work in community with leading edge practitioners and thinkers researching and developing approaches that lead to new ways of being, living and working together.
For further information: www.nowherefoundation.org or contact Terry Ingham, nowherefoundation, 2 Wallace Rd, Bath BA1 6QQ. 07866607789. [email protected]
Jane James
Terry Ingham is the Managing Director of the nowhere foundation and a former teacher in secondary schools. He led on the design and sense making of the enhancing children's learning project. Judith Hemming is one of the lead constellators in the UK and was the inspiration for the project. A former teacher and lecturer in education, she is passionate about improving the quality of learning in schools. Jane James supported teachers through their learning and innovating in the classrooms. Unusually, she is actively involved in education at all levels from early years through to researching in Universities. She is also a governor at her local secondary school
nowhere foundation
The nowhere foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to expanding the creativity and consciousness of people, organisations and social systems. We work in community with leading edge practitioners and thinkers researching and developing approaches that lead to new ways of being, living and working together.
For further information: www.nowherefoundation.org or contact Terry Ingham, nowherefoundation, 2 Wallace Rd, Bath BA1 6QQ. 07866607789. [email protected]