EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CLASSROOM 16 th October 2013

1. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CLASSROOM 16th October 2013

2. Objectives for the session • Definition - Equal Opportunities & Diversity • What EO means in the classroom • The challenge in the classroom • What you would expect to see… • Subject related • How is it done? • Lessons to be learnt

3. Equal Opportunities? • Equal opportunity is usually linked to the law and focuses on legislating against unjustified discrimination. • Treat learners fairly • Remove barriers to equal opportunity and redress • any imbalances in the classroom • Make reasonable adjustments to enable learners • with specific needs to access our classrooms.

4. Diversity? • Diversity is about visible and invisible differences, accepting them, and harnessing and maximising the potential they bring. • Teachers • recognise that people are different in many visible • and invisible ways • responsibility to understand, value and manage • these differences effectively

5. What EO means in the classroom • Context: Equality Act 2010 • Race, Gender, Disability etc • Other Protected characteristics, age, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment • Eliminate unfair discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, foster good relations

6. AG E RELIGION OR BELIEF UPBRINGING ETHNICITY & RACE SEXUAL ORIENTATION SOCIO-ECONOMIC FA MI LY BACKGROUND PERSONALITY POSITION IN FAMILY HAVING/ NOT HAVING DEPENDENTS EDUCATION LANGUAGE DISABILITY

7. What are the benefits…..? • Why we should build equal opportunity and diversity • into our work? Equal opportunity and diversity are • strongly interconnected: we need both. • The goal is to develop learners’ abilities and skills • Equal opportunity and diversity themes provide real content to develop the learners’ skills in a meaningful way. • Learners have the right to have their differences respected.

8. Institutional Commitment The promotion of equality in teaching and learning features prominently in every Ofsted inspection and is key to meeting requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty. More than that, it is about delivering excellence and getting it right for all of your learners.

9. The challenge… • Its a struggle to call on every student equally and treat your students, who are inherently different, the same. • Nevertheless, classroom equality is a significant issue for the • learner • parents • educational establishment……OFSTED…….. • Consider the myriad number of ways that you can work to ensure classroom equality for your students while keeping your focus on teaching.

10. What you would expect to see in teaching and learning and assessment • Interesting and appropriate teaching & learning methods and resources inspire and challenge ALL; engage ALL to extend knowledge, skills, understanding • Progress is at least satisfactory for ALL groups; achievement gaps have narrowed • Learning, teaching, assessment promotes equality and supports diversity

11. What you would expect to see in teaching and learning and assessment • Positive celebration of diversity • Active promotion of positive attitudes towards protected characteristics • Courses are planned to meet the needs of ALL learners- content and range of

12. History English Law Religious Studies Philosophy French etc Maths Chemistry Physics etc What subject do you teach?

13. E&D in the classroom Planned opportunities • Schemes of Work • Lesson Plans Classroom environment • Displays • Materials • Seating plan • Challenging inappropriate behaviour

14. E&D in the classroom Teaching opportunities • Language & expression • Extension questions • Visual material • Themes & topics • Style of worksheets • Real world examples • Links to current issues • Names in cases studies • Peer support & buddies • etc

15. Lessons to be learnt OFSTED • E&D clearly signposted across the campus • Policies and approach etc were good BUT • Teachers do not always promote equality and diversity well in lessons….