Using Zak, an innovative, interactive simulation to explore radicalisation through the education curriculum.

The purpose of this paper is to contextualise and present the innovative teaching and learning tool ‘Zak’ which has been designed to stimulate discussion amongst young people in schools on the topics of radicalisation and extremism (Borum, 2004). The tool has been designed to encourage young people to explore their views and values on these complex and controversial topics in a safe and facilitated way. Zak is currently being ‘rolled out’ to all schools in one demographic region in the UK (Kent). The paper explores the use of the tool and provides initial analysis of evaluative feedback on the product from groups of professionals. This tool has particular relevance to the value change conference as it investigates an innovative approach to exploring how values on the often contentious and controversial topics of radicalism and extremism are tackled with young people in secondary schools.