It is clear that there is still a great deal of work to carry out to achieve the vision and goals  outlined in the Scottish Government’s Race Equality Framework:

Education and lifelong learning: Vision for 2030

Everyone has the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment without disadvantage in relation to racial inequality or racism.

Our ambition is to make Scotland the best place to grow up and to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn in an inclusive environment which supports race equality. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that children’s rights as underpinned by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are at the heart of this Framework.

Scottish Government ‘Race Equality Framework 2016-2030

This section explores the aspects that are required to actively promote and develop race equality and anti-racism in early learning and childcare, schools and community learning settings.

In a thematic inspection of race equality in schools, an HMIe report found that schools that demonstrated good practice in promoting race equality also shared an underpinning set of principles in their work. Learners were provided with opportunities to: study their own values and those of others; appreciate diversity; and develop respect for others. They supported the values in school life of equality, justice and mutual respect.

In a recent PISA report, it was encouraging to note that Scotland ranked joint third of twenty seven countries during an assessment of the global competence of 15 year old learners. Performance on individual indicators was, however, varied.

Global competence was defined as:

‘A multidimensional capacity that encompasses the ability to examine global and intercultural issues, understand and appreciate different perspectives and viewpoints, interact successfully and respectfully with others, and take action for collective well-being and sustainable development.’

     Pisa 2018