Teachers' Area

Teachers' Area

Teachers' Area

Help for the most vulnerable

 

Here's why its important -  two recent reports show stark facts.

Stonewall's report in 2007 on  the experiences of young gay people in schools, including those in the Somerset says:

  • 65% had experienced homophobic bullying
  • 97% had heard derogatory language regarding homosexuality
  • 60% felt they had no one at home or school they could talk to
  • 60% did not tell anyone at school when they were bullied
  • 50% said teachers failed to respond to homophobic language when they heard it
  • 52% said they heard homophobic language from teachers and other staff

In Somerset, a survey in 2007 found even more alarming evidence. Of those gay young people surveyed:

  • 71% reported experiencing homophobic bullying
  • Just under half of the group had experienced feelings of depression and isolation
  • All said that reporting incidents to teachers was very hard to do
  • Only 2% had experienced a positive outcome as a result of telling a teacher.  

 The Department for Children, Schools and Families recently published guidance for schools

Sexual orientation and homophobia. Why, as a  teacher,  you can make a real difference

DCFS says:

Schools are ideally placed to teach pupils about sexual orientation and how to challenge homophobia, as they make a significant contribution to the development of values and attitudes in young children that are likely to be resistant to change in adulthood. Sex and relationship education (SRE) teaches young people to understand human sexuality and to respect the sexual orientation of others.

The Department has produced Sex and Relationship Education Guidance for teachers, which explains how to approach issues such as sexual orientation with honesty and sensitivity and how to deal with pupils' questions and offer support.


Section 28, the common name for Section 2a of the Local Government Act 1986, which banned local authorities in England and Wales from 'promoting' homosexuality in schools, was repealed in 2003 and replaced by new guidance for schools on how to approach issues of sex and sexuality within the SRE framework. This guidance is explained in a downloadable factsheet. Tackling homophobic bullying is part of the Department's drive to tackle all forms of bullying, and is covered in depth in the schools' anti-bullying charter. You can find more information about the role and responsibilities of schools with regard to bullying in general in TeacherNet's bullying section, or read an example of a school anti-bullying policy.

Challenging homophobic language
Stonewall's Education Guide on Challenging homophobic language provides information and advice for primary and secondary school staff.
Challenging homophobic language doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. This guide includes how you can respond to and prevent homophobic language and Stonewall's top ten recommendations for tackling homophobic language. It also provides top ten tips and features good practice examples from Stonewall Education Champions. 

Guide: Challenging homophobic language download the PDF of Challenging homophobic language or order a free copy of the guide.

Article from teachernet Check out their site on www.teachernet.gov.uk 

Free Pack for Key Stage 4 teachers!
2009
Code: 964
Category: Young people

Terrence Higgins Trust has developed a new teaching pack providing teachers with ideas on how to talk about sexual orientation and challenge homophobia in school’s. This pack has been written by teachers for teachers
This FREE pack contains ideas that can be used across the curriculum including
    •    Assembly
    •    Geography
    •    Modern Languages
    •    Religious Education
    •    PSHE
    •    English
    •    Drama
As well as a guide to current legislation and guidance in this area of work.
The Pack is available in an A4 ring binder which also contains a cd rom. You can download a PDF of the pack here or contact Phillip if you'd like to order a free copy or ask any questions:
Phillip Wragg 
Phone: 020 7812 1787 
Email: phillip.wragg@tht.org.uk.

Free version available online
A4 39 pages
View pdf

Stand up for us is a Wired for Health initiative aiming to help schools tackle homophobic bullying, in the context of developing an inclusive, safer and more successful school environment for all. (This is an older publication, 2004)


Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) is a national, charitable organisation set up to challenge homophobia through education. It provides a professionally staffed national helpline which offers advice and support.


You may also be interested in reading a case study about tackling homophobia in a secondary school

Further resources

The Schools Out  website has some usual informatipon and tools