The last two society and lifestyle inputs have focused on Inclusion and Diversity.

Two weeks ago, in the Society and Lifestyle module we addressed the question what does ‘Inclusion and Diversity’. In the lecture, we explored the definitions of the words ‘inclusion’ and ‘diversity’ and the impact this has within communities. I found this very interesting however I will need to do some further academic reading to deepen my knowledge on the subject. For the guided independent task, we were to answer questions provided by our lecture. I feel this task was fairly rushed and we didn’t have much tie with the lecturer to ask questions or clarify what was expected from the task. I enjoyed the tutorial seminar. We examined the poem ‘From Prejudice to Genocide: Learning about the Holocaust’. Having studied Germany in advanced higher history, I had already come across this poem. However, I had never examined the poem in depth. I found the poem very powerful and enjoyed exploring how the poem conveys inequality and how this issue can affect anyone, even today.  I enjoyed yesterday’s input and will take part in further reading to clarify any confusion but I am looking forward to next week’s input.

Last week’s lecture focused on disability. Throughout our careers in teaching there is a large possibility we will come across a pupil – or parents – who have a disability and therefore we must have a deep understanding and awareness of disability. We looked at the definition and attitudes towards disability as well as study the Disability Act Movement which I found very interesting. In the Focus on disability Seminar we were to work in groups and consider different scenarios and discuss whether pupils had been treated unfavourably or had been discriminated against. It was interesting to see the differing opinions within the groups and the connections people had made with their own school experience.

Having attended both a primary and secondary school which had a supported learning centre, I had a very different experience from others in my group. I come from an area which has a school for children with severe disabilities as well as a centre for adults with severe disabilities and have therefore grew up with an understanding of disability within the community. I feel that it is important that every child is provided with an understanding of a disability as it is now more common in the school environment.

Overall, I found these inputs very interesting and understand most of the concepts discussed within class but will continue to do some further reading to deepen my own understanding.