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The Anti-Racist Curriculum Project Guide

A set of descriptions and ideas for using the resources developed as part of the Anti-Racist Curriculum Project.
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The introductory nature of these resources ensures they can be utilised and adjusted as the audience sees fit. From a more linear process to a more reference library ’dip in’ approach. With the majority including their own specific readings list to support more in-depth research. The content ranges from briefings and overviews, provocation pieces with self-reflection, short films and visual sketches, outlines for workshops, and templates for planning to offer varying ways for colleagues to engage. Taken as a whole the ‘Guide’ resources have been built in sequential order for individuals/organisations to progress through their own personal and collective development via three levels:

  1. Foundations
  2. Learning & reflecting
  3. Planning and doing.

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The resources are hosted beow. The project has developed 16 in total and can be accessed via the link below.

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The Guide

Resource themes

Alternatively, each resource exists as a stand-alone guide which can be selected to answer specific needs and interests. We have themed the resources (as follows) and provided further information to help readers navigate each piece.

Themes Key:

Explorations – to stimulate conversations about ARC and our role in it

Overviews and Outlines - to build our awareness and knowledge

Lived Experience – to reflect on how lived experiences needs to shape this work

Guides - to support planning, developing and implementing an ARC

Resources explained

Quick access links:

Foundations

1. What we mean by Anti-Racist Curriculum

Author: This resource was developed and written by working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project

Description: An exploration of what we mean by an Anti-Racist Curriculum detailing both why we are using this term and what we understand by it. 

Ideas for using the resource: As a guide or starting point for building organisation specific definitions and understandings.

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Explorations
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2. Mapping the History of Anti-Racist Curriculum work in tertiary education

Author: This timeline was developed and written by Mia Liyanage with input from the working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: An overview of work on, and related to, Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) in the UK over the last several decades to provide a focused history and context for ARC work today.

Ideas for using the resource: As an introduction to ARC to highlight its position and relevance to the past and present with links for further exploration.

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Overviews and Outlines
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3. Student Voices Film

Author: This resource was developed by Sonia Afonso de Barros and working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project. This film features Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) Acting students and was made by RCS Filmmaking students with the kind support of RCS staff.

Description: A film capturing the impact upon and experience of students when an anti-racist curriculum is not in place.

Ideas for using the resource: As a short yet powerful tool to engage colleagues and provoke discussion.

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Lived Experience
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4. Staff Voices Film

Author: This resource was developed by Sonia Afonso de Barros and working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A film exploring the lived experience of staff navigating works spaces lacking in an anti-racist (curriculum) culture.

Ideas for using the resource: As a short yet powerful tool to engage colleagues and provoke discussion.

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Lived Experience
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5. Facilitating Anti-Racist Curriculum Conversations

Author: Written by Melanie Smith with input from the working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A guide to facilitating conversations about ARC: exploring the importance of dialogue, its challenges and opportunities, and ways it can be navigated.

Ideas for using the resource: As a guide for everyone undertaking ARC conversations but especially staff tasked with moving the ARC agenda forward within their organisation.

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Guide
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6. Allyship in developing an Anti-Racist Curriculum

Author: Written by Melanie Smith with input from the working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: An exploration of the role of allyship in developing an ARC: the need for allies, what an ally is, and the journey to becoming one.

Ideas for using the resource: As a self-reflection piece for colleagues to work through individually before discussing as a group.

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Explorations
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7. Barriers and Enablers Sketches

Author: This resource was developed and written by working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project. Illustrated by Linda Hunter @PictishScribe.

Description: A visual summary of common ‘concerns and barriers’ and ‘assets and enablers’ to implementing an ARC drawn from sector-wide consultations.

Ideas for using the resource: As accessible posters capturing nuanced and frank viewpoints around developing an ARC to set the scene and inspire honest discussions.

A visual description of the sketches is available here.

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Explorations
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8. Building on what's already there - Tackling Racism on Campus / Advance HE

Author: Various authors.

Description: A summary of previous work which ARC builds upon and provides additional learning and guidance.

Ideas for using the resource: As a further reading list for colleagues to build ARC knowledge and understanding.

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Overviews and Outlines
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9. A Brief Introduction to Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Author: Written by Ibtihal Ramadan, Nighet Riaz, Khadija Mohammed.

Description: A brief overview of Critical Race Theory to familiarise and demystify this academic approach.

Ideas for using the resource: As an introduction to a significant concept within ARC work and provide colleagues with further reading to research themselves.

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Overviews and Outlines
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Reflecting and Learning

10. Language Matters Portfolio

Author: This resource was developed and written by members of the Language Matters working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A proposal of how to approach developing an ARC with a focus on cultivating a Humanity-Centric Language including provocations, think pieces, and case studies.

Ideas for using the resource: As a self-reflection piece for colleagues to work through individually and also for the wider organisation to consider in their own ARC communications.

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Guide
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11. Staff Stories with Anti-Racist Curriculum Reflections

Author: Written by Rhiannon Lord developed from the Current Practices working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A narrative centred activity to be read or acted out based on real staff experiences of working in FE and HE. To foster renewed awareness of varied perspectives and encourage reflections and conversations around ARC.

Ideas for using the resource: As a workshop for learning and teaching staff & students to explore and discuss ARC and inform their practice.

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Lived Experience
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12. Developing an Anti-Racist approach to Teaching

Author: Written by Saima Salehjee and Catriona Cunningham developed by the Current Practices working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A ‘classroom’ scenarios based activity to support an anti-racist approach to teaching including an exploration of differing perspectives, responding to contingency questions, and reflexive practice and questions. 

Ideas for using the resource: As a workshop for learning and teaching staff & students to explore and discuss ARC and inform their practice.

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Lived Experience
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13. Guide to running focus groups discussing Anti-Racist Curriculum

Author: This resource was developed and written by members of the Students and Staff Voices working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A guide to holding focus groups with Black, Asian & minority ethnic students and staff to better understand their lived experience and perspectives on ARC to inform its development. 

Ideas for using the resource: As a guide for staff planning and running focus groups as part of a wider ARC consultative process.

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Guide
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Planning and Doing

14. Planning an Anti-Racist Curriculum

Author: This resource was developed and written by members of the Curriculum Considerations working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: Outlining the use of SWOT and Intangible Assets tools to scope the requirements strategically, operationally and culturally to develop an ARC. 

Ideas for using the resource: As a framework to help leadership staff who will be project planning and resourcing ARC to do so holistically.

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Guide
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15. Embedding Anti-Racist Curriculum principles into the Curriculum Lifecycle

Author: This resource has been developed and written by members of the Curriculum Considerations working group of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A guide on ARC considerations (by stage and contributor) throughout the curriculum lifecycle, to support the iterative process of embedding ARC.

Ideas for using the resource: As a planning tool for key staff and students involved at each stage of the curriculum to consider and embed ARC principles.

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Guide
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16. Involving Students in developing an Anti-Racist Curriculum

Author: This resource was developed and written by working group members of the Anti-Racist Curriculum (ARC) project.

Description: A guide to involving students as co-creators and partners in developing an ARC including current practices and an outline of a workshop activity to support this approach.

Ideas for using the resource: As a guide and accompanying workshop to facilitate staff and students working together on course development to include ARC considerations.

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Guide