Year 9 Pupils Lead on New Anti-Racism Film

Alleyn’s Year 9 pupils have led on a new film exploring the realities of racism in a collaborative project between local schools based in, and around, the London Borough of Southwark.

Filmed by film maker and former TV correspondent for the BBC, Sky News and Al Jazeera English, Lee Laurence, the final film will form part of PSCHE lessons for Year 8 pupils at Alleyn’s and other local schools as part of the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership.

Alleyn’s Year 9 pupils, Yi Ming and Aanya, put together a series of insightful questions examining racism today in an interview with Alleyn’s Housemaster and Chemistry teacher, Mr Sri, about his personal experiences of racism.

Questions ranged from ‘Can you remember the first time you experienced racism and how old were you?’ to whether he feels society is changing and what his hopes are for the future.

Mr Sri shared his experiences, particularly during primary school and secondary school and how these early events have shaped his life.

Talking about his role as a teacher, he said: “I can’t eradicate racism, but I hope to help people to become compassionate and empathetic and to champion causes such as anti-racism.”

About his involvement in the project, Year 9 pupil, Yi Ming, said: “It is really great to be involved and to educate people on the things that are important. Words can hurt and I hope this helps people know what not to say.”

We look forward to seeing the final film which will be an important tool in pupils’ education and ongoing discussions about anti-racism.