17 years ago, the catastrophic terrorist attacks of September 11th claimed the lives of almost 3000 people and would change the world overnight. Schoolchildren all over the world, including here in Britain, are growing up in countries which are still being shaped by the events of 9/11 today.
Of course, since 9/11, much of the focus of countering terrorism has focussed on law enforcement and military responses, but it is through education that we have the opportunity to effect lasting and meaningful change in our efforts to roll back the tide of extremism.
We can start by helping children and young people have all the tools to make sense of the world around them. Conspiracy, hatred and grievances can flourish and thrive in the gaps we allow to form as individuals attempt to interpret the world and current events.
At SINCE 9/11, our approach is to ensure that no topic is off limits. Armed with the knowledge to develop a more nuanced understanding of the world, both educators and children are in a position to challenge and undermine hatred, intolerance and extremism when they encounter it.
For several years, our Key Stage 3 and 4 teaching materials have provided teachers with the framework to discuss sensitive issues; from the origins of the 9/11 attacks themselves to questions of security vs civil liberties and religious attitudes to conflict. Taking an approach which tackles at times difficult subjects affords young people the opportunity to fully contextualise and understand global events, but also exposes them to otherwise unconsidered alternative viewpoints – an activity which builds tolerance in its own right.
Now, SINCE 9/11 has once again worked in partnership with the UCL Institute of Education to create teaching materials to help pupils understand and play an active role in the world they are growing up in – but this time for Key Stage 2 (7-11 years).
As an organisation, we came to understand that Primary Schools were in need to greater support in fulfilling their legal duty to promote the Fundamental British Values of democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty and Mutual Respect and Tolerance for Different Faiths and Beliefs. And it is here that the new teaching materials are designed to fit.
You can’t just tell young people what to value and expect them to comply, but to allow liberal democracy to function we must encourage critical thinking in the next generation and guide them to consider our social values. If too few share these ideals then society would become intolerant and discriminatory – and individuals could no longer enjoy the freedom to live as they choose.
Seventeen years on from 9/11, we remain committed to teaching the events, causes and consequences of the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. We think it’s important that children learn about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. Our education programme seeks to ensure similar atrocities cannot happen in the future.
SINCE 9/11 has developed a full range of educational resources that are available free to all UK schools. Our resources were developed in partnership with UCL Institute of Education to combat hatred and prejudice. SINCE 9/11 provides programmes to discuss and explore identity, the role of race and religion and the importance of nurturing mutual respect, so that we can all live in a more cohesive and peaceful society.
Classrooms are the learning centres of communities and the foundations of our future. It is our aim to provide the most effective resources for teachers so that students of all ages can learn to celebrate difference rather than destroy it.
SINCE 9/11 is a UK charity established on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The SINCE 9/11 Key Stage 2 resources are available to download for free from www.since911.com/education-programme