An education system is one of the key institutions of any society, although its social role and purpose has varied from place to place, and over time. Traditionally, schools promoted a common identity and culture. In other contexts diverse identities have been recognised and legitimised through forms of multicultural education. In yet other contexts education has been cast as a ‘melting-pot’ towards the creation of new forms of common identity.

The dimensions of difference have varied also, including linguistic, religious, ability/disability and ethnic diversity. The goal of the seminar is to explore these issues on at least three levels:

• What standards are available to guide judgement on best practice?
• What policies have been developed to address issues related to diversity and commonality?
• How can these ideas be implemented in practice in schools and classrooms?

The seminar examines the frameworks available through human rights standards and current ideas on inclusion, while recognising also that the role of education is not unproblematic. Our focus must include not only an examination of the conditions which enhance the positive potential of schools, but also the circumstances in which schools have contributed to the heightening of ethnic or other tensions. The seminar explores key policies including the role of citizenship education and strategies for addressing linguistic diversity. Given the importance of examining practice on the ground, as well as wider policy frameworks, the seminar includes visits to a diverse range of schools and an opportunity to engage with NGOs that deal directly with these issues.

The seminar focuses on challenging and difficult issues, but provides insights into the way some of these major challenges are being addressed.

Who should attend this seminar
Education planners and administrators, Head Teachers, Heads of local education divisions with responsibility for inclusive education, national non-governmental refugee and asylum seeking groups, relevant community group leaders, Heads of Youth Services and directors of mental health services for young people.