The Integration School Exchange (w/t)

27 March 2018

Channel 4 Documentaries has commissioned a groundbreaking two- part series that will attempt to explore the issue of racial segregation in schools. A first on television, there will be an exchange between Saltley Academy, Birmingham, which is less than 1% white British, with a 95% white secondary school Tamworth Enterprise College, Staffordshire. Year 8 and 9 pupils will take part in the series.

The students selected will spend a week in one another’s schools and some will also spend the night in each-other’s homes. The aim of the series is to consider the issue of segregation in the education system and to find out what happens when pupils are exposed to other ethnic communities. The intention is to reveal whether possible pre-conceptions may be dispelled and if this practice could have a lasting benefit.

The series is inspired by the “Busing” social experiment that happened in the US. This scheme sought to integrate schools by busing African American children from inner city areas to the surrounding white schools. However, unlike the controversial US practice, this scheme will be entirely voluntary.   Pupils, parents and teachers will have agreed to take part and will be interested to discover if there would be benefits in doing this.

The issue of school of segregation was highlighted this month when the Government published its Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper.   The paper stated that as of January 2017, 60% of minority ethnic pupils were in schools where minority ethnic pupils are in the majority and warned that in too many parts of the country communities are now divided.

Simon Turney, Headteacher of Tamworth Enterprise College said; “I am particularly keen to support the principal of ‘immersion’ into both school and family life to act as a catalyst that can change hearts, minds and perceptions. Through such bold and innovative approach we have a real opportunity to make an important contribution to a much needed national debate, so often avoided for reasons of political correctness. I look forward to being involved in the series.”

Peter Weir, Headteacher at Saltley Academy said; “Saltley is excited by the prospect of this project. Our students are wonderful ambassadors for their community and Academy. In the past, we have had learning days for students with peers from different parts of the Midlands, so we believe this project will build on our success in promoting inclusion and cohesion. However, the excitement for us is the opportunity to learn deeply from each other, creating lifelong memories. 

Madonna Benjamin, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 added; “I am delighted that these two schools have agreed to take part in this innovative series. This commission highlights Channel 4’s commitment to creating a debate on topics that are currently being discussed in education and I hope that those who agree to take part will find this an extremely valuable and informative experience.”

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Commissioning Editor: Charlotte Desai/Madonna Benjamin

Series Producer: Heenan Bhatti

Series Director: Martin Fuller

Executive Producer: Darren Kemp

Production Company: Top Hat Productions