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UNITED KINGDOM - "TACKLING HOMOPHOBIA"

1. Information on the school

» Kind of school: State Comprehensive (11-16 years old)

» Number of pupils: 800+

» Specific School Educational Policies concerning equal opportunities:

The school has an equal opportunities policy in place.

» Social characteristics of environment

The School is a mixed 11-16 comprehensive school that serves a very disadvantaged area of South London. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is above the national average.

The majority of pupils at the school come from a minority ethnic background. Almost half of the pupils are from homes where English is not the first language and pupils speak more than 50 different languages in total.

2. Reasons for activity

» Why did the activity begin?

The activity began because of a recognition that the school had a duty to address the issue of homophobia. The school secured funding from the local police force and hired three professional trainers to work with the school on the issue of homophobia.

» What was the aim of the activity?

The aims included the need to build positive awareness of lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT), addressing the pupils use of words and name calling and helping pupils think about the prejudice faced by LGBT people.

» Types of discrimination worked on

The activity focused on the issue of homophobia but included more general discussions about the nature of prejudice and discrimination.

3. Development of actvity

» The activity was directed at: Teachers and pupils

» Who managed the activity?

A trainer from an independent organisation managed the activity.

» Date and duration of development of activity:

The initial work took place in 2003 with ongoing work at the school planned.

» Methodology and Strategies

The activity the school put in place promised "support for teachers in developing skills and techniques for tackling homophobia and hate crime". The professional trainers sought to assist teachers by running training sessions to discuss the issue of homophobia and by providing support for teachers to discuss these issues in the classroom.

The trainers also had time with each class in the school in order to discuss the issue of homophobia and the consequences that homophobia can have upon individuals. The pupils also had the opportunity to talk to gay and lesbian people. Information on how this work could be followed up with pupils was also provided in the form of lesson plans that could be used in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

4. Results

» What has improved as a result of this activity?

  1. increased knowledge about the effects of prejudice and discrimination;
  2. more positive awareness of LGBT people;
  3. encouraged pupils to stop and think about using homophobic language;
  4. provided an opportunity for pupils to think about the issue; and
  5. a greater awareness of the need to tackle homophobia within the school.

» Variables that have facilitated or hindered the success of the activity

  • Focus on both teachers and pupils
  • Learning through experience
  • Positive work to break down negative stereotypes