Equity Exchange: the podcast

Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Novelist, Poet, Literary Critic and Lecturer of Creative Writing, discusses how his experiences growing up as a Black teenager in East London influenced his journey as a writer and educator.

In the podcast, he reflects on teaching English to young boys in similar circumstances and recognises the importance of representation in literature. This connection fuelled his passion for writing books that resonate with these young people, aiming to engage them through relatable narratives. Ashley emphasises the power of storytelling to foster understanding and connection, ultimately helping his students feel seen and validated in their experiences. Ashley shares an extract from his most recent book, offering listeners a glimpse into his writing style and themes. The passage reflects his dedication to capturing the experiences of young people, highlighting relatable emotions and situations. Through this reading, he aims to connect with his audience and demonstrate how literature can serve as a bridge for understanding and empathy among diverse readers. The extract further illustrates his commitment to creating engaging narratives that resonate with his students and community.

Faisal Arif, Diversity and Inclusions Trainer, Advisor and Lecturer shares how his experiences as a gay Pakistani Muslim have shaped his commitment to celebrating diversity.

In the podcast, he reflects on a pivotal figure in his educational journey who inspired him to embrace LGBTQIA plus, with identity and strive for authenticity. Faisal emphasises the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. He advocates for fostering acceptance and understanding within educational spaces, believing that such an atmosphere not only benefits individual students but also enriches the entire community by promoting empathy and collaboration.

Dan Blasczyk, Student Engagement Coach and Race & Religion Ambassador at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, discusses how he encourages his students to celebrate their heritage.

In the podcast, he highlights how the Windrush movement serves as a foundation for understanding cultural diversity and resilience. To further this initiative, Dan has implemented projects like "Proud to Be," which allows students to explore and express their own cultural identities. These projects not only promote pride in their heritage but also foster a sense of community and belonging within the classroom. Dan emphasises the positive impact of these efforts on student engagement and self-esteem.

Piers Alexander, Head of English and EDI Lead Coordinator, West Suffolk College, shares how his journey through diverse musical influences shaped his understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

In the podcast, he discusses how different genres and artists exposed him to various cultures and perspectives, by reading their lyrics; inspiring him to become an English teacher. Piers emphasises his commitment to incorporating EDI into the curriculum, striving to normalise discussions around these topics. He highlights specific strategies he uses to integrate diverse voices in literature and create an inclusive classroom environment, ultimately aiming to inspire students to appreciate and respect differences in culture and experience.

Izzy Wood, Geography and Environmental Science Lead at HSDC Alton, discusses the challenges and strategies she employs to integrate EDI into her curriculum.

In the podcast, Izzy emphasises the interconnectedness of history and geography, noting that understanding both is essential for addressing contemporary issues. Izzy shares her experience of teaching students about racism as a foundational step before introducing concepts of anti-racism. She draws from her own experiences and her students' perspectives to create a more inclusive learning environment, aiming to broaden their understanding of diverse cultures and social justice issues, decolonising the curriculum.

Resources:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Geography-Teaching-Catherine-Owen/dp/1036004856?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FCF1z_5Y88-cUrZ4-6bEg1ILrYKMN6jh

https://x.com/GeographyJog

Shahla Holgeth, lecturer at Bolton College, discusses the creation of British Culture courses, which were developed over the last 10 years to support ESOL students across Bolton.

In the podcast, Shahla emphasises the importance of incorporating equality, diversity, and inclusion into her curriculum. She argues that British history encompasses a wide range of experiences, telling different narratives of our British history from range of communities. Shahla shares her encounters with students from diverse backgrounds, highlighting how much she has learned from them. She encourages her students to explore and engage with different cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of the multicultural fabric of British society. Her approach aims to create a more inclusive educational environment that reflects the richness of all cultural narratives.

Rachel Webley, English Lecturer, Teaching and Learning Coach at Birmingham Metropolitan College and Senior Examiner for GCSE Literature, talks about how to build an anti-racism curriculum.

In the podcast, Rachel reflects on her experiences growing up as a mixed heritage individual and the lack of representation of Black authors and history in her early education. She discusses how this absence impacted her understanding of identity and culture until her further education. As an English teacher, Rachel is committed to exposing her students to inspiring figures from various backgrounds, helping them to better understand themselves and their peers. She emphasises the importance of integrating EDI into everyday learning, encouraging students to appreciate diversity and incorporate these lessons into their lives beyond the classroom.

Additional resources: https://bmet1.padlet.org/rachelwebley/creating-a-black-curriculum-ibb8yqqtrot7ximn