There has never been a more important time to equip young people with the knowledge and courage to stand up against racism. Bigfoot’s Anti-Racism workshops for KS2 are bold, energising drama sessions that go far beyond awareness. Through debate, creative exploration and powerful performance techniques, pupils don’t just learn about racism, they discover what it truly means to be anti-racist, and why that difference matters.
Writer Audre Lorde’s statement “it is not our differences that divide us; it is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences”, underpins the workshop by giving pupils the opportunity to recognise the role they have to play in changing society through education, intention and courage.
What does racism actually mean? And what separates someone who is simply “not racist” from someone who is actively anti-racist? These are the questions at the heart of this workshop, and Bigfoot’s educators know exactly how to bring them to life in a way that sparks real thinking, real feeling and real change.
Pupils dive into big ideas through a journey that is equal parts thought provoking and theatrical. They grapple with key vocabulary around race, prejudice, privilege and equity. They explore real scenarios, form their own arguments and use their bodies and voices to give power to their convictions. Inspired by voices who have shaped the fight for racial justice, learners move from understanding to action, discovering the tools that every young person needs to make the world a fairer, braver place.
“I just wanted to pass my thanks on to Adrian for yesterday’s workshops and staff training. The children absolutely loved their sessions, and Adrian was a joy to have in school. Normally the staff are clock watching during staff meetings and yesterday I don’t think they wanted the meeting to end! I look forward to working with Bigfoot again in the future, as we have never been disappointed! – Sinead O’Brien, PSHE Lead, St Michael’s Primary
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and define key terms including racism, race, ethnicity, unconscious bias, microaggression, prejudice, discrimination, privilege, and equity
- Recognise racism and racist behaviour and understand how it affects individuals and communities
- Identify and challenge microaggressions and unconscious bias
- Identify the difference between being non-racist and being actively anti-racist
- Develop at least three anti-racism tools they can apply in real life
- Respond appropriately and confidently to racist language and behaviour
- Use drama skills including tableaux, improvisation and vocal expression to explore and communicate their understanding
National Curriculum Links
- PSHE (KS2): Recognising and challenging discrimination; understanding rights and responsibilities; developing empathy and respect for difference
- English (Speaking and Listening): Presenting ideas through dialogue; participating in structured debate and discussion; developing vocabulary
- Drama: Improvisation, physical theatre and role play; using performance to explore theme and character
- Citizenship: Understanding British values of tolerance and mutual respect; exploring how individuals can contribute to a fair society
- SMSC: Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through engagement with issues of justice, identity and equality
FORMAT
Target Audience: KS2 (Differentiated versions for lower and upper KS2)
Session Time: 60 minutes
Capacity: One class per session (Strictly up to 35 pupils)
Additional options: We also provide a 90 minute teacher twilight session, which we highly recommend, and can take place after the pupil workshops.
HOW TO ENQUIRE & BOOK
For us to quote your school and offer availability, please fill out the form below and tell us how many classes you have in each year, what year groups you want us to work with, and any specific dates that will work for you. We will respond to you within 24 hours. We promise we will not ignore your enquiry. Important: If you have not had a response from us, you may need to check your folder of doom (Spam folder) as sometimes our emails may go into it!
