Notions of diversity, British identities and citizenship belonging

Abstract

This article reports on a small‐scale research study commissioned by the then Department for Education and Skills ([DfES] now the Department for Children, Schools and Families [DCSF]) in June 2006 to aid the work of the Diversity and Citizenship Curriculum Review Group, headed by Sir Keith Ajegbo. The findings concentrate on how ‘diversity’ is viewed by schools and the implications of this for developing pupil understanding of British diversity, British identities and citizenship belonging. The article highlights student perceptions and experience of a diverse curriculum together with their perceptions of ‘Britishness’ and citizenship belonging. In examining school and student understanding of diversity, this article explores two discrete aspects: ‘diversity’ education and education about ‘Britishness’. While supporting the need to value British diversity, the article nevertheless challenges the assumption that ethnic or cultural ‘heritage’ is always positive and/or learning about it positive.

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