A unique game-based, city centre workshop, developed by a Lancaster University lecturer, is designed to help educators at all levels stamp out racism in the classrooms.

Lecturer in Politics and Policy Dr Temidayo Eseonu has designed the workshop using the ‘Belonging’ game she created with Fractals Co-op, who specialise in creative facilitation, participatory research and bespoke games supporting the development of learning and reflexive practice.

The tabletop card game uses collaborative, structured conversation to build shared understanding of antiracist practice in education.

The game starts with the creation of fictional characters and uses scenario cards, developed using real-life examples from educational settings of policies and practices that hinder ‘belonging’, to facilitate discussions.

‘Belonging’ focuses on helping educators explore and try out inclusive and anti-racist approaches, supporting them to create environments where every student feels seen, valued, and part of the school community.

Each practical session will include a discussion on racism and antiracism, reflexive conversations from participants’ experiences and the creation of action plans.

Dr Eseonu explains why she has used a gaming approach.

“This is an opportunity to translate abstract principles into creative knowledge,” she says.

“It also provides space to engage with real life scenarios, building confidence before doing so in practice.”

Sessions, which are free to all, will take place at The Centre, St Thomas Marton Street, Lancaster, on 12 or 18 May.

To book a place on your preferred date, please email reipn@lancaster.ac.uk.