SCHOOL chiefs are urgently withdrawing a primary school homework sheet on terrorism – complete with a cartoon drawing of an explosion.
The document, given to children aged 11, sets questions on Palestinian and Northern Irish “terrorism” but contains significant factual errors.
After pictures of the sheet given to children a New Stevenston Primary, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, appeared online it was described as “shocking”.
The council insisted the sheet was “obselete” and said it was making sure all copies were withdrawn from circulation.
Youngsters were told: “Palestinians feel that they have the RIGHT to use terrorism against the Israelis.
“Give TWO reasons why they feel this. Use the information to help you.
“Describe two examples of Palestinian terrorist activities.”
Beneath the text was a cartoon-like drawing of an explosion.
The person who posted the image on social media – known as Sher-Locked3 – wrote: “These are actual homework questions given to children in New Stevenston Primary School as part of their curriculum.
“It’s definitely not good, it’s factually incorrect and divisive. Anyone with an ounce of intellect knows that.”
Sher-Locked3 added: “I did not take the picture nor do I have a child at the school.
“This was taken by a person who had a P7 sibling to whom these questions were given. I verified the picture before posting.”
Children are also asked to decide who are the main terrorist groups in Northern Ireland.
It asks: “Which of the following are TWO of the main terrorist groups in Northern Ireland? Al Qaeda, IRA, HAMAS, UDA.”
It then asks pupils: “Match the name of LOYALIST or REPUBLICAN to the correct description of the group’s aim.
“This group want N.Ireland to remain a part of the UK.
“This group wants N. Ireland to be united with the rest of Ireland.”
The UDA entered a ceasefire – officially ending its armed campaign in Northern Ireland – in November 2007. The IRA – a name given to numerous separate republican groups – similarly has been on ceasefire since 1997.
Images of the homework – titled “Terrorism and Terror – Case Study: Separatists” have appeared a number of times in the last 12 hours on Twitter.
Ahmed Kadry said it was a “shocking homework question” and North West Friends of Peace also commented that the homework was “shocking”.
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council’s Learning and Leisure Services said:
“The homework material used was taken from a teaching pack which is now obsolete. We are contacting all schools to ensure this particular material is no longer used.
“The topic is explored by pupils as part of the social studies programme ‘People, past events and societies’ and this includes conflict situations around the world.
“This topic aims to gives pupils a greater understanding of the nature of different conflicts and their regional, global and historical significance and does not pass any judgement on the subject.”
