Representation and Identity: A belonging and mattering enrichment project with PGCE Secondary trainee teachers in a partnership primary school
By Joanne Mimnagh
Joanne Mimnagh is the tutor responsible for multilingualism on the Secondary PGCE at Manchester Met, a role she’s held since 2005. She works across initial teacher education with a focus on language provision and inclusive practice. Her current research interests centre on multilingualism, SEND, and creating equitable learning environments for trainee teachers and students.
This poster documents a two-week enrichment project delivered with Secondary PGCE trainee teachers at a North Manchester primary school. The project aimed to equip trainee teachers with experience in designing and delivering lessons that centre student belonging and identity, particularly for Black African and African heritage pupils. Working across all year groups and curriculum areas, the trainees developed approaches that encouraged students to represent and celebrate their own heritage and identities in a supported learning environment. The project responds to research showing significant disparities in student outcomes and the importance of staff representation and culturally affirming teaching in addressing these gaps.
