Ethos Guidance Platform Feature: Addressing War and Conflict
Educate Together Ethos Guidance Platform
Educate Together’s Ethos Guidance Platform contains guidance on key issues and topics related to school life, the ethos, and the relationship between the two. This edition, we examine the guidance on Addressing War and Conflict in Schools.
International conflicts are difficult to process and can be deeply upsetting for many in the school community. In recent years, questions have arisen in schools in relation to the war in Ukraine and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Some staff have expressed uncertainty in how to discuss these conflicts in the classroom. Many have expressed deep concern, and a strong desire to make a difference, at a time when the world is witnessing unbearable violence and loss in different regions.
Educate Together schools are committed to fostering a welcoming school climate for the whole school community. School leaders and boards of management should establish a safe and truly inclusive environment that is free from racism of any kind. Every school context is different, and your school can decide if, how, and when to address current international conflicts in the school community. Schools must be aware, however, that this has the potential to further marginalise students, parents or staff who have been directly impacted by war and conflict. Ensure that your school, therefore, takes a human rights-based approach and does not take sides in an international political conflict.
Recommendations
In the first instance, it is important to identify students that have experienced war and conflict and provide them with care and support that is trauma-informed. School staff can access a free online course on ‘Trauma Informed Practice for Primary and Second Level Teachers’ here and further advice for supporting children and young people in time of war here.
It is likely that the wider student population will hear and watch media reports about war and conflict. Staff should help children to develop vital intercultural, critical thinking, and media literacy skills, through the Ethical Education curriculum.
Staff should also challenge different forms of racism, including islamophobia and antisemitism. Remind students to avoid generalist terms and references that stereotype mass groups of people. Ensure all viewpoints are shared respectfully and that all activities foster empathy and solidarity.
Ethical Education also provides space for teachers to support students to take action on issues of inequality and human rights, how and when appropriate. At times of conflict this requires additional care and sensitivity. Staff should continuously question whether all children of minority backgrounds are feeling included in the activities and if they are being equally respected. Staff can access a free online course on ‘Methodologies for Ethical Education’ here, including a module on ‘Managing Conflict & Facilitating Dialogue on Controversial Issues’.
When gathering information to explore these topics, refer to this list of trusted information sources and learning partners to avoid undue bias or misinformation.
