Student leadership in prejudice reduction initiatives

A group of (now-former) Pymble students worked collaboratively with Dr Sarah Loch to write an academic paper. The result is “Don’t Shoot the Messenger: Addressing Racism in Schools Through Student-Developed Curriculum”, available via the AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools) journal (Volume 49,1, 2024). The paper explores how a group of Pymble Ladies’ College Year 11-12 students and teachers created curriculum and research to promote and understand anti-racism education in their year group and amplify student perspectives around this important issue. A literature review is also available to deepen awareness of the issues explored.

Faye Chang, now a student in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Merton College, University of Oxford, and one of the student leaders of the initiative reflected on the experience:

“The Anti-Racism and Allyship Group has been one of my most rewarding undertakings since 2021, and as of May 2024, this chapter of the journey has finally come to an end with the publication of our article in AHISA’s journal Independence.

I’ve been so honoured to have had this chance to contribute to the literature around student voice and student-driven action, as well as to make a meaningful change to the approach of my school in addressing issues around race and prejudice.

Looking back on this project, I’ve not only improved my research skills through our collaborations with Professor Fiona White and the writing of the article itself, but I’ve also reinforced my understanding of the importance of grassroots and community-driven organisation. The genesis of this project would not have been possible without the other students involved directly in organising the project, as well as the the support of our year group at large. It’s solidified my belief that any structural change has to be done by and collaboration with the people it most affects.

Working with an academic partner, Professor Fiona White

The guidance of academic mentor, Professor Fiona White, University of Sydney, was invaluable. Fiona shared examples of lessons about diversity, inclusion and relationships, and assisted us navigate issues such as identity, perspective and respect. She also helped the student and staff team create a survey tool to collect pre- and post-intervention data which indicated that, although the year group had very low scores of subtle and blatant racism, the levels dropped following the lessons.

Directions in 2024

Our collaborative commitment to reducing racism and prejudice and heightening inclusive structures in our school and beyond is now in the hands of a group of Year 11 2024 leaders. The students, along with teachers involved in the original project, recently joined an online UNESCO Anti-Racism webinar streamed from UN Headquarters in Paris. Teachers and students all look forward to the next iteration of this important project.