Shared Space project features in a DfE research report on social integration in schools and colleges.
Shared Space project features in a DfE research report on social integration in schools and colleges.
We are pleased to report that after some delay, largely caused by the pandemic, the DfE has published an independent research report that includes the Shared Space project. The DfE research set out to examine some of the approaches being used in schools and colleges to promote social integration. Readers will remember that Shared Space was a collaboration between the University of Bristol and NATRE that explored the application of contact theory to the teaching of Religious education.
Shared Space is summarised in the report as follows:
The intervention is suitable for pupils in primary and secondary schools (children aged 4- 16). Shared Space is a new intervention that draws on ideas from ‘contact theory’ to illustrate how teaching in the subject of Religious Education might foster positive community relations. It provides models of best practice which enable pupils to learn about different worldviews through a focus on discussion and dialogue as well as academic forms of learning. It advises that ‘Encounter’ and ‘Dialogue’ are frequently promoted in the RE classroom and act as pre-conditions for meaningful and constructive interaction between members of different religious and cultural communities. Its effectiveness has not yet, however, been evaluated. There are no costs associated with the intervention and risks are low.
For further information, see:
- https://www.natre.org.uk/about-natre/projects/the-shared-space-project/.
- Social integration in schools and colleges - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You can read the discussion about Shared Space (pages 46-49) and the whole report here.