Watch The School That Tried to End Racism

The School That Tried to End Racism is a compelling documentary series that premiered in June 2020 on Channel 4. The show follows a group of Year 7 students from an inner-city school in the UK, as they take part in a unique experiment aimed at addressing racism and promoting understanding.

The experiment, designed by leading experts in the field of race relations, involves separating the students into two groups based on their racial identity, with one group consisting of only white students and the other group consisting of only non-white students. Over the course of the experiment, the students are encouraged to take part in a series of workshops and discussions aimed at challenging racial stereotypes and equipping them with the tools to recognize, understand and combat racism.

Throughout the series, the students are introduced to a range of topics related to racism, including unconscious bias, privilege, microaggressions, and the impact of structural racism on society. They also hear from a diverse range of guest speakers, including activists, academics, and community leaders, who share their own experiences of racism and offer valuable insights into how to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

One of the central figures in the series is actor and presenter, Ashley Walters, who serves as a mentor and guide for the students as they navigate this challenging and often emotive topic. Walters brings a wealth of experience to the table, having grown up in some of the UK's most diverse and multicultural communities, and he is able to offer valuable advice and support to the students as they confront their own biases and prejudices.

Over the course of the six-part series, viewers are given a rare insight into the complex and often difficult conversations that take place between the students and their facilitators. They witness the students grappling with difficult questions and challenging their own assumptions about race, as they begin to understand that racism is not just an individual issue, but a systemic problem that affects all of us.

The show is packed with powerful moments that highlight the impact of racism on different communities, from the experiences of black and minority ethnic students who have to deal with daily microaggressions and discrimination, to the stories of white students who may not have previously considered their privilege or the impact of their actions on others.

One of the strengths of the series is the way in which it allows the students to lead the conversation, encouraging them to share their own experiences and perspectives on race. By doing so, the show avoids the trap of presenting a one-dimensional view of race relations and instead offers a nuanced and complex exploration of the issues involved.

Overall, The School That Tried to End Racism is a thought-provoking and timely series that offers a valuable insight into the challenges we face in creating a more just and equitable society. By giving a platform to the voices of young people and showcasing the work of leading experts in the field, the show challenges us all to think more critically about our own attitudes and behaviors, and work together to create a better future for all.