‘Our education system must be built on the principles of equality, our classrooms free of intolerance and hatred...’
‘Our education system must be built on the principles of equality, and our classrooms free of intolerance and hatred,’ writes Education Secretary Kirsty Williams. Here’s her vision for achieving it...
WE all want our schools to be safe environments for our children and young people to learn and prepare for life.
I am sure all of us can remember just how intimidating school could be at times, the wish for us to want to fit in, be accepted.
Accepting the differences in our society is essential for all of us. Allowing people to be who they are, who they want to be, accepting our differences and diversity benefits us all.
That is why today I will be delighted to welcome Just Like Us to a special event the Senedd as the charity launches their work in Wales.
Just Like Us, founded by Tim Ramsey, empowers LGBT+ young people to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools. Just Like Us links with employers to train LGBT+ university students as relatable role models who visit local schools to champion LGBT+ equality and challenge discrimination.
The work of the organisation is inspirational and reinforces the Welsh Government’s message that bullying in any form is unacceptable.
I have always been very clear that I will not tolerate bullying in schools.
We know that anything which sets children and young people apart can often act a trigger for unacceptable behaviour. All bullying, including that linked to an individuals’ sexual orientation or sexual identity, is totally unacceptable.
Only by working together will we be able to make a discernible impact on the lives and behaviours of bullies, and on those who are bullied.
Bullying is everyone’s business. The role of education in particular is critical.
We have a unique opportunity to help ensure that all children and young people develop and flourish to make a meaningful and worthwhile contribution to society, and to build a society which is free from discrimination.
We want them to enjoy learning that inspires them to succeed in life, in an inclusive learning environment, one which respects and values diversity and builds tolerance and understanding. Our education system must be built on the principles of equality, and our classrooms free of intolerance and hatred.
This is a critically important and very exciting time in the development of education services in Wales. The Welsh Government’s new curriculum development aims to support young people to be ambitious, enterprising, ethical, informed and confident.
Our curriculum development provides teachers and schools with a pivotal opportunity to contribute to the curriculum design, including health and well-being. We must make sure that the new curriculum is fit to address the challenges of the 21st century.
I recognise more clearly than ever that pupil well-being is central to effective learning. Children and young people must feel safe and supported in school. That is why pupil well-being will be at the heart of our inclusive education system. Tackling inequality to ensure all learners fulfil their potential is a key priority for me. Schools must provide a caring, supportive environment which recognises the needs of all its learners.
This will enable learners to develop confidence and positive relationships based on mutual respect. They will also gain the knowledge they need to make healthy lifestyle choices.
When incidents happen, schools need to be clear that they will challenge bullying and support the children involved. Schools are supported by the Respecting Others anti-bullying guidance which was published in 2011. This includes specific guidance which relates to incidents linked to homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
However, we need to make sure this guidance is the most effective possible in supporting practitioners in what is a difficult area. I have therefore agreed a new programme of work for anti-bullying which includes a refresh of Respecting Others.
The Welsh Government is working closely with stakeholders on the development of this new guidance.
I have also recently established an expert panel to provide advice to the Welsh Government on the delivery of Healthy Relationships education within the current curriculum.
Providing good-quality learning for children and young people on Healthy Relationships is essential to tackle a range of complex issues, including improving understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, bullying, Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
It is very important that I recognise the important work Just Like Us, and other organisations, do to raise awareness of key issues that affect our children and young people. The Ambassador Programme, which develops LGBT role models, to champion LGBT equality and challenge discrimination is an excellent example of how we can reach into the classroom to help schools develop a more a tolerant and inclusive ethos.
I am pleased that following the success of the first School Diversity Week last year, the event is again being held in 2017. I would urge all schools in Wales to sign up to this event, which is being held between 3 to 7 July, by visiting the Just Like Us website – www.justlikeus.org.
I, and the Welsh Government, support the very important work that goes on in schools and colleges each and every day to make sure that education services play a full and active part in eradicating LGBT bullying.
As a society we must all work together to tackle all bullying in schools and prevent the potentially long-term educational and emotional damage it can cause.
I am determined to ensure that our children and young people are empowered to be who they are without fear of recrimination while they are in education in Wales.