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Government funds new Catholic school lessons to tackle antisemitism
Board of Deputies will help create classroom resources for more than 2,000 Catholic schools, with lessons tackling online conspiracy myths and Jewish life
The Board of Deputies has secured government funding to develop new classroom resources designed to help Catholic school pupils recognise and challenge antisemitism.
The Department for Education-backed project will see the Board work alongside the Catholic Education Services (CES) and the Archdiocese of Birmingham to produce teaching materials for use in Catholic schools across England and Wales.
The pilot will create lesson plans, videos and teacher guidance to support lessons on antisemitism, Jewish identity and the diversity of Jewish life. The resources are intended for use in Religious Education (RE), Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, and citizenship classes.
They will also help teachers address antisemitic myths and conspiracy theories, including those spread through social media and online gaming platforms.
Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg said: “It is vital that schools teach young people to recognise and reject antisemitism. The Board of Deputies is proud to work with the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Catholic Education Service to develop resources for Catholic schools that will also help teachers deliver accurate, empathetic education about Jewish identity.
“We are grateful to the Department for Education for funding this important pilot, which has the potential to be scaled across the wider Catholic school community. I would also like to pay tribute to the commitment of the Catholic Church to taking real and meaningful steps to educate children against antisemitic hate.”
The Board said it would ensure the materials are rooted in the lived experience of British Jews and reflect best practice in teaching about antisemitism and Jewish communities.
In a joint statement, the Most Rev Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, and the Rt Rev Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds and chairman of the Catholic Education Service, welcomed the partnership.
They said: “One of the most fundamental Biblical teachings is that each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God.
“In Catholic schools, 10 percent of curriculum time is dedicated to Religious Education, meaning alongside Catholic Christianity other religions like Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and worldviews are given more study time than in most non-denominational schools, contributing to community cohesion.
“The Catholic education sector within the Archdiocese of Birmingham therefore welcomes this opportunity to work in partnership with the Board of Deputies of British Jews on a pilot initiative to help benefit schools and communities at a time of heightened tensions across the country.”
According to the Catholic Education Service, there are 2,129 Catholic schools and colleges across England and Wales, educating more than 824,000 pupils. Birmingham is home to the largest diocesan network of Catholic schools, with 241 schools and colleges across 13 local authority areas.
If successful, the pilot could be expanded more widely across the Catholic school sector.
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