Research insights: experiences of Chinese heritage students
Hemisphere's latest programme explores challenges faced by students of Chinese ethnicity. While Chinese children are one of the highest achieving groups in the UK, they also face high levels of racist abuse and stereotyping. 86% of the students we interviewed had experienced racist banter and jokes. 41% told us that they felt overlooked by teachers who they thought assumed they were “fine” because of their ethnicity. “Positive” stereotyping can conceal real issues and result in unmet needs.
To support schools this East and South East Asian Heritage Month, we’ve created a one-minute clip from our film on the history of Chinese Britons. Understanding how this heritage is woven into our national story makes it easy to see why representation matters - and how recognising it can transform a pupil’s sense of belonging.
Watch this clip, read more about the actions you can take, and download a resource to share with colleagues below.
So what can you do? Here are three actions that every member of staff can take:
- Challenge assumptions: tackle the “model minority” myth so that no child’s needs are hidden behind stereotypes.
- Build relationships: take time to understand each child as an individual, and recognise the diversity within the UK’s Chinese community.
- Strengthen representation: ensure your curriculum and resources reflect all pupils’ identities positively, so every child can see themselves in the classroom.
Small changes in everyday practice can make a powerful difference to pupils’ sense of belonging. Empower all of your colleagues to take action.
Hemisphere’s high-quality research and training goes beyond simply pointing out the problem. The online programme is engaging, informative and inspirational. It is also grounded in the experience of our students. It's the most thought-provoking and fascinating professional development of the year.
Hemisphere is a whole-school racial and cultural literacy programme that empowers everyone to embed a culture of belonging and opportunity.
Want to find out more?
Book a Hemisphere taster session with Yasmina Koné.
