Does Quality Circle Time raise issues related to ethnicity?
Quality Circle Time enables young people to belong to a group as equals. Within the circle all contributions that adhere to the agreed ‘ground rules’ are valued. Quality Circle Time builds up positive relationships in an atmosphere of trust, security, openness and respect. Whatever the ethnic backgrounds of the participants, Quality Circle Time enables them to feel good about themselves and to feel good about other members of the group. Quality Circle Time helps to combat ignorance, break down prejudice, counter stereotyping, develop empathy, and promote appreciation of the richness that ethnic diversity brings to situations. Having said that, there are a couple of specific issues of which facilitators of circles need to be aware. Pupils for whom standard English is not a first language may need extra support in contributing orally as they may lack a degree of confidence. Speaking through a friend who shares their first language may be a way forward, perhaps using the technique known a
