To consider aspects of school life which disadvantage one gender group at the expense of the other
Aim
To consider aspects of school life which disadvantage one gender group at the expense of the other. To discuss solutions which can benefit both groups.
Evidence and reflection
Conduct a brainstorm with a colleague, or small group of colleagues, in which you identify all the aspects of school where you perceive there to be some kind of gender inequality. Try to think of the entire spectrum of school life including the school curriculum, staffing and school organisation, teacher-pupil interactions, grouping strategies, peer group culture, social relations between pupils, and playground activities. Sort this list into two columns, headed 'Boys disadvantaged' and 'Girls disadvantaged'. Discuss solutions which address the source of disadvantage in such a way as to maximise the potential for success of both boys and girls together. To what extent do you feel it is sometimes appropriate to adopt a policy of 'positive discrimination' in favour of one group?
Follow-up
Take any emerging satisfactory solutions into further discussion with other staff and with senior management with a view to changing policy and practice.
