Exceeding Expectations 4

H

The group meets once a month to discuss what to do and messages they should send to teachers in schools.

They have coordinated links with youth services to help young people that are coming out about their sexuality. am part of the group and I think it’s great that they’re putting messages across, we are trying to get into schools and speak to the young people and put the messages out there.

ENDING HOMOPHOBIA THROUGH EDUCATION

I lost my friends because of it. It might not seem like I had it tough but it made me hate myself and I wish I wasn’t gay to make my life easier. But I am now proud of being a lesbian and I’m stronger because of it.

Never be ashamed of who you really are and always remember people do care. Be true to yourself and the rest will follow.”

THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG GAY PEOPLE IN BRITAIN'S SCHOOLS (2007) But it can be even more serious. Neil, 15, reported “sexual assault involving the buttocks and testicles being grabbed was followed by, ‘Queer you enjoy that you poofy bastard’”

On 17th May 2007 we attended a showcase event on IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia). The reception was based on how homophobia affects society, and how homophobia needs to end in schools around greater Manchester.

I myself shared with the people who attended this reception my own experiences of homophobia through out secondary school.

Seeing the number of people who attended the reception showed G EXPECTA DIN TIO EE

NS

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

Also included was a small sketch done by Hope Theatre Company on how homophobia affects young people in today’s schools.

The reception opened eyes to people who attended and how homophobia needs to end, NOW! NOW! NOW!

EXCEEDING Children’s Services

ENDING HOMOPHOBIA IN YOUR SCHOOL Exceeding Expectations T.I.E. Project including a play and interactive workshop about the effects of homophobia is

available to all schools in Manchester. To find out more please contact Maria Oakley.

Tel: 07957 710 185

Manchester

And Paul, who is the same age and also at a Catholic school said when he had difficulties “the response from friends SIXTY-FIVE PER CENT OF LESBIAN AND The report shows that most of the time, was supportive but school teachers did bullies go unpunished while seven out absolutely nothing about it.” The GAY SCHOOL PUPILS HAVE BEEN Stonewall School Report is thought to BULLIED BECAUSE OF THEIR SEXUALITY, of ten of their victims say their own be the biggest of its kind and is based education has suffered.

A SURVEY HAS FOUND. Jessa, an 18-year-old who was surveyed, on a survey of 1,145 youngsters.

Half of teachers ignore homophobic said her “teacher said it was my fault for language when they hear it and 30 per being open” while Catherine, 13, said the There are a series of recommendations in the report, including that schools “teachers join in on the joke.” cent of kids say adults at their school are should encourage role models, train responsible for the bullying. Stonewall, staff, integrate sexual orientation into who wrote the survey, say this means that Other pupils highlight a wide range of the curriculum and celebrate progress. of current secondary school pupils, abuse in the study. Alan, 13, said: “I get 143,000 children have suffered from anti- called names all the time at school, To download the report go to gay name-calling, 64,000 have been especially poof and faggot. My stuff is physically attacked and 26,000 have had always being ripped up or drawn on or www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/ school_report.pdf death-threats. stolen.”

‘Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Bullying in Schools’ is a new publication by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) of ground-breaking new guidance for teachers.

NHS

Primary Care Trusts Manchester Public Health Development Services

HOPE

Theatre Company

MANCHESTER SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD

Susan, a 16-year-old in a single-sex Catholic school, said she wouldn’t report abuse because, “I would more likely get told off for being a lesbian.”

GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES NEW GUIDANCE TO HELP SCHOOLS TACKLE HOMOPHOBIC BULLYING

www.lgf.org.uk

Manchester Multi-Agency Anti-Bullying Policy and Practice Network

Unsurprisingly the situation is far better in schools that tackle the problem – for example by including homophobia in anti-bullying policies – and much worse in faith schools.

homophobia was still at large in today’s society even more in secondary schools. Manchester City Council were supporting the Exceeding Expectations project and were at the reception.

EXPECTATIONS

Exceeding Expectations join Contact Theatre to celebrate diversity with gay hip-hop artists Q Boy and Mz. Fontaine.

4

SCHOOL REPORT

My Experience of Homophobic Bullying by Rachel “At school I got the occasional gay comment and I got bullied for everything else anyway. But when I got to college it was horrible. I was beginning to come to terms with my sexuality and hated it because of how much negativity was around. I guess to people I looked like a lesbian.

EX C

The next thing we are trying to do is make a website for young people to go onto and there will be a separate

website for teachers to get advice and information.”

At first it was just the odd dyke comment, but then in lessons I got it more. People were saying gays were horrible, people wouldn’t work with me and I hadn’t even come out yet.

EXCEEDING

EXPECTATIONS

ere we feedback to you about some of the young people’s experiences of Exceeding Expectations projects and experiences of homophobia in their own words.

The New Young Peoples Sub Group

by Tarrack and Toni “At this group called young peoples participation sub group we are doing stuff to end homophobia in schools by making posters, sending newsletters to teachers and there is a drama production going on to show school children what homophobia is and to show them what there possibilities in life are.

G EXPECTA DIN TIO E E

NS

TALKBACK

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS SHOWCASE by Matthew and Ben

EX C

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

TM

CONTACTS FOR THE EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS INITIATIVE: Tel: Maria 07957 710 185 or Eric 0845 450 9595 or email: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

Even casual use of homophobic language in schools can create an atmosphere that isolates young people and can be the forerunner of more serious forms of bullying.”

The pioneering guidance, commissioned from Stonewall by the DCSF, provides school governors, heads, teachers and other staff with practical information - including lesson plans - about how to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

Harriet Harman MP, Secretary of State for Equality, said: “Homophobic bullying creates an ugly climate of intimidation and makes it harder for young people to come out. Teachers and schools can tackle homophobic bullying and this guidance will help them.”

Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “Homophobic insults should be viewed as seriously as racism.

For more information see: www.teachernet.gov.uk/ wholeschool/behaviour/tackling bullying/homophobicbullying/

NATIONAL ANTIBULLYING WEEK 19th-23rd November ‘Remember that bullying is often motivated by prejudice, especially bullying about race, disability and sexuality.’

This year's Anti-Bullying Week resource pack for schools should now be available in your school and is also available to download. The theme for 2007 is bullying in the community, and the pack includes a summary of research, briefings for teachers, parents, head teachers and governors, and suggestions for how school councils can get involved.

There are also ten top tips for children and young people and all schools will receive in their packs a set of postcards giving practical advice to children and young people, parents and carers and staff. www.antibullyingalliance.org.uk

CONTACT EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS If you would like further support in this area, please do contact the exceeding expectations team.

Tel: Maria 07957 710 185 or Eric 0845 450 9595 e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Guidance for schools and Government plans to stamp out gay bullying (page 2), Developing restorative approaches in schools across Manchester (page 3), Talkback (page 4).

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS THE EQUALITY ACT (SEXUAL ORIENTATION REGULATIONS 2007) ● By refusing access to any benefit, facility or service. ● By excluding him or her. ● By subjecting him or her to any other detriment.

To whom do the regulations apply and how are they enforced?

All maintained, special schools, academies and independent schools in England and Wales are covered by the regulations, which also make it unlawful for a local authority to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation in the exercise of their functions.

The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 in force from 30 April 2007, make discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation unlawful in a number of areas, including education in schools:

● In the terms on which it offers to admit him or her as a pupil. ● By refusing to accept an application to admit him or her as a pupil. ● In the way in which a pupil is afforded access to any benefit, facility or service.

SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Schools will need to make sure that gay or lesbian pupils, or the children of gay or lesbian parents, are not singled out for different and less favourable treatment from that given to other pupils. They should check that there are no practices which could result in unfair, less favourable

treatment of such pupils. They will need to ensure that homophobic bullying is taken as seriously and dealt with as firmly as bullying on any other ground. All of which should already be established practice in schools.

The minister has stressed that faith schools will be compelled to take action against homophobia as well as secular institutions and he set out two approaches to tackling the problem: MP Kevin Brennan, the newlyappointed Children's Minister, has vowed to stamp out homophobia in schools across the UK. "We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying, to challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

Brennan has said that teachers need to be better equipped to deal with antigay abuse and this also meets with recent proposals for changes within schools for Citizenship sessions.

Mr. Brennan has said the new

"The first is effective intervention. Part of the reason for the apparent inertia and inaction is that often, teachers are unsure what to do.

"We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying. To challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

Mr. Brennan has also said that schools will be issued with new guidance, telling them to specifically address homophobic bullying in their policies.

"Schools need to have proper systems in place enabling pupils to report homophobic bullying," he said.

"Even more importantly, policy and good intentions must be absolutely reflected in practice, with sanctions being firmly and consistently applied."

The minister said better pastoral care from teachers was vital, and that going beyond just having a 'zero tolerance' approach was needed: "Children and

friends outside the school when they began to make abusive, homophobic comments about Robbie’s teacher, Miss Simon, to a person Robbie knew to be Miss Simon’s friend. Robbie, Miss Simon, her friend and Robbie’s Learning Mentor agreed to attend a restorative meeting.

CONFLICT WITH RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Some concerns expressed are that faith schools will no longer be able to teach according to an aspect of their belief or faith.

During the meeting Miss Simon was able to express how much the incident had upset her and her friend and how intimidating Robbie’s behaviour had been.

There are similar concerns about the possibility that individual teachers expressing their views in this area, whether based on their religion or not, might be the subject of legal action. The regulations will not prevent any of this.

For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Sexual_orientation_regulations

Government Committed To Stamping Out Gay Bullying Department for Children, Schools and Families would focus on the security, well being and success of children in all aspects of their life, not just academic achievement, and that stopping bullying in all forms was a key part of that mission.

DEVELOPING RESTORATIVE APPROACHES IN SCHOOLS ACROSS MANCHESTER

young people are taught about the importance of equality and diversity in ways that are appropriate to their age.

"Helping them develop the values of respect and understanding which help shape a progressive and inclusive society. Parents too need to be involved." www.kevinbrennan.co.uk

It’s ok 2 b gay Poster designed by exceeding expectations young persons group featuring hip hop artists ‘Q-boy’ and ‘Mz Fontaine’ which has been on display across Manchester schools and youth settings.

For further information please e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

by Julie Wolstenholme I AM THE DIRECTOR OF A SMALL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WHICH WORKS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION TO PROMOTE CONFLICT RESOLUTION, EMOTIONAL LITERACY AND RESTORATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING WRONGDOING. Restorative approaches are a range of values, skills and practices which focus on addressing harm, changing behaviour and nurturing and repairing relationships. The emphasis, wherever possible, is on including those who are involved in a situation

of harm and/or conflict to put things right rather than on punishing the perpetrators.

I was inspired to contact Exceeding Expectations following a discussion with a lead Learning Mentor at a school in the North West who used a restorative conference to deal with an incident of homophobic abuse.

The names in the following case study have been changed although the details are taken directly from the conference notes.

Robbie, a Year 9 pupil, was with his

PAUL HARTNETT ‘TACKLING HATE CRIME’ Paul Hartnett was born to Irish parents in West London in 1958. He was educated by Benedictine monks at a private Catholic school in Ealing.

creative writing and drama workshops through the agency Top of The Tree, tackling Hate Crime on a number of levels.

As a teacher, Paul has worked and continues to work with children who have Special Educational Needs, particularly young individuals with emotional and behavioural concerns, teenagers who have been subjected to systematic homophobic bullying.

After an introduction, Paul makes a dramatic start to his TACKLING HATE CRIME sessions by donning a police uniform to play the part of a police officer visiting a school where a homophobic incident has been reported, putting over the idea that racist, sexist and homophobic bullying is indeed a crime.

Over recent years Paul has given a number of talks to Police at a Lancashire Police training unit on the subject of homophobic abuse.

Paul now offers informative talks on the history of homophobic abuse, how organisations and individuals can tackle homophobia. Paul also offers

Paul Hartnett offers advice for staff about how to tackle racist, sexist and particularly homophobic abuse.

For further information see www.paulhartnett.com

“I was inspired to contact Exceeding Expectations following a discussion with a lead Learning Mentor at a school in the North West who used a restorative conference to deal with an incident of homophobic abuse. “ She expressed her hurt that, as Robbie’s Head of Year, she had done a lot to support him. She told him of the effect the incident had had, not only on her and her friend, but on other friends and family.

Robbie denied making offensive

comments but admitted laughing at the homophobic remarks made.

He apologised for his behaviour and said that he would stand up for Miss Simons if any other student made any homophobic comments about her.

Miss Simon accepted Robbie’s apology and agreed a clean slate.

Following the conference, Robbie gave a 'Sorry' card to Miss Simons who was very pleased with this.

Dealing with the incident in a restorative way meant that ‘Robbie’ had to hear the effects of his actions to make amends and the people who had been hurt by ‘Robbie’s’ actions were able to say how they had been affected. All involved had the chance to have their needs met and were able to move on feeling satisfied that the situation had been dealt with fairly and justly.

Working restoratively means resolving matters directly with those who are affected by what has happened rather than for them.

Evidence is showing that a greater focus on resolving conflict through making amends and repairing relationships leads to improved attainment, lower staff turnover and a safer school environment.

Julie Wolstenholme www.resolutionsfirst.com

NEW DVD AVAILABLE ON LGB ISSUES The Centre for HIV & Sexual Health in Sheffield has recently launched a new DVD - 'OUT THERE!' which is now available to order.

'Out There!' highlights the positive aspects of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) lives and can be used in both formal and informal education or training settings i.e. within PSHE or SRE in Schools, Equality and Diversity Training or any other work with groups which includes LGB issues.

The DVD provides positive images and case studies of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, using real life

abstracts and focussing on people's hobbies, passions and daily activities - their normal lives.

The DVD is accompanied by a training guide and can be used to promote a more positive and balanced image of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. "One of the best resources I have ever seen on this subject." - Kim Wilson, PSHE Lead.

For further information, please contact : Tel: 0114 226 1900, Email: Admin@chiv.nhs.uk or order on-line at www.sexualhealthsheffield. nhs.uk

For further information please e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS THE EQUALITY ACT (SEXUAL ORIENTATION REGULATIONS 2007) ● By refusing access to any benefit, facility or service. ● By excluding him or her. ● By subjecting him or her to any other detriment.

To whom do the regulations apply and how are they enforced?

All maintained, special schools, academies and independent schools in England and Wales are covered by the regulations, which also make it unlawful for a local authority to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation in the exercise of their functions.

The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 in force from 30 April 2007, make discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation unlawful in a number of areas, including education in schools:

● In the terms on which it offers to admit him or her as a pupil. ● By refusing to accept an application to admit him or her as a pupil. ● In the way in which a pupil is afforded access to any benefit, facility or service.

SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS Schools will need to make sure that gay or lesbian pupils, or the children of gay or lesbian parents, are not singled out for different and less favourable treatment from that given to other pupils. They should check that there are no practices which could result in unfair, less favourable

treatment of such pupils. They will need to ensure that homophobic bullying is taken as seriously and dealt with as firmly as bullying on any other ground. All of which should already be established practice in schools.

The minister has stressed that faith schools will be compelled to take action against homophobia as well as secular institutions and he set out two approaches to tackling the problem: MP Kevin Brennan, the newlyappointed Children's Minister, has vowed to stamp out homophobia in schools across the UK. "We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying, to challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

Brennan has said that teachers need to be better equipped to deal with antigay abuse and this also meets with recent proposals for changes within schools for Citizenship sessions.

Mr. Brennan has said the new

"The first is effective intervention. Part of the reason for the apparent inertia and inaction is that often, teachers are unsure what to do.

"We need to make sure that every teacher has the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with incidents of homophobic bullying. To challenge intolerance and disrespect in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

Mr. Brennan has also said that schools will be issued with new guidance, telling them to specifically address homophobic bullying in their policies.

"Schools need to have proper systems in place enabling pupils to report homophobic bullying," he said.

"Even more importantly, policy and good intentions must be absolutely reflected in practice, with sanctions being firmly and consistently applied."

The minister said better pastoral care from teachers was vital, and that going beyond just having a 'zero tolerance' approach was needed: "Children and

friends outside the school when they began to make abusive, homophobic comments about Robbie’s teacher, Miss Simon, to a person Robbie knew to be Miss Simon’s friend. Robbie, Miss Simon, her friend and Robbie’s Learning Mentor agreed to attend a restorative meeting.

CONFLICT WITH RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Some concerns expressed are that faith schools will no longer be able to teach according to an aspect of their belief or faith.

During the meeting Miss Simon was able to express how much the incident had upset her and her friend and how intimidating Robbie’s behaviour had been.

There are similar concerns about the possibility that individual teachers expressing their views in this area, whether based on their religion or not, might be the subject of legal action. The regulations will not prevent any of this.

For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Sexual_orientation_regulations

Government Committed To Stamping Out Gay Bullying Department for Children, Schools and Families would focus on the security, well being and success of children in all aspects of their life, not just academic achievement, and that stopping bullying in all forms was a key part of that mission.

DEVELOPING RESTORATIVE APPROACHES IN SCHOOLS ACROSS MANCHESTER

young people are taught about the importance of equality and diversity in ways that are appropriate to their age.

"Helping them develop the values of respect and understanding which help shape a progressive and inclusive society. Parents too need to be involved." www.kevinbrennan.co.uk

It’s ok 2 b gay Poster designed by exceeding expectations young persons group featuring hip hop artists ‘Q-boy’ and ‘Mz Fontaine’ which has been on display across Manchester schools and youth settings.

For further information please e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

by Julie Wolstenholme I AM THE DIRECTOR OF A SMALL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WHICH WORKS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION TO PROMOTE CONFLICT RESOLUTION, EMOTIONAL LITERACY AND RESTORATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING WRONGDOING. Restorative approaches are a range of values, skills and practices which focus on addressing harm, changing behaviour and nurturing and repairing relationships. The emphasis, wherever possible, is on including those who are involved in a situation

of harm and/or conflict to put things right rather than on punishing the perpetrators.

I was inspired to contact Exceeding Expectations following a discussion with a lead Learning Mentor at a school in the North West who used a restorative conference to deal with an incident of homophobic abuse.

The names in the following case study have been changed although the details are taken directly from the conference notes.

Robbie, a Year 9 pupil, was with his

PAUL HARTNETT ‘TACKLING HATE CRIME’ Paul Hartnett was born to Irish parents in West London in 1958. He was educated by Benedictine monks at a private Catholic school in Ealing.

creative writing and drama workshops through the agency Top of The Tree, tackling Hate Crime on a number of levels.

As a teacher, Paul has worked and continues to work with children who have Special Educational Needs, particularly young individuals with emotional and behavioural concerns, teenagers who have been subjected to systematic homophobic bullying.

After an introduction, Paul makes a dramatic start to his TACKLING HATE CRIME sessions by donning a police uniform to play the part of a police officer visiting a school where a homophobic incident has been reported, putting over the idea that racist, sexist and homophobic bullying is indeed a crime.

Over recent years Paul has given a number of talks to Police at a Lancashire Police training unit on the subject of homophobic abuse.

Paul now offers informative talks on the history of homophobic abuse, how organisations and individuals can tackle homophobia. Paul also offers

Paul Hartnett offers advice for staff about how to tackle racist, sexist and particularly homophobic abuse.

For further information see www.paulhartnett.com

“I was inspired to contact Exceeding Expectations following a discussion with a lead Learning Mentor at a school in the North West who used a restorative conference to deal with an incident of homophobic abuse. “ She expressed her hurt that, as Robbie’s Head of Year, she had done a lot to support him. She told him of the effect the incident had had, not only on her and her friend, but on other friends and family.

Robbie denied making offensive

comments but admitted laughing at the homophobic remarks made.

He apologised for his behaviour and said that he would stand up for Miss Simons if any other student made any homophobic comments about her.

Miss Simon accepted Robbie’s apology and agreed a clean slate.

Following the conference, Robbie gave a 'Sorry' card to Miss Simons who was very pleased with this.

Dealing with the incident in a restorative way meant that ‘Robbie’ had to hear the effects of his actions to make amends and the people who had been hurt by ‘Robbie’s’ actions were able to say how they had been affected. All involved had the chance to have their needs met and were able to move on feeling satisfied that the situation had been dealt with fairly and justly.

Working restoratively means resolving matters directly with those who are affected by what has happened rather than for them.

Evidence is showing that a greater focus on resolving conflict through making amends and repairing relationships leads to improved attainment, lower staff turnover and a safer school environment.

Julie Wolstenholme www.resolutionsfirst.com

NEW DVD AVAILABLE ON LGB ISSUES The Centre for HIV & Sexual Health in Sheffield has recently launched a new DVD - 'OUT THERE!' which is now available to order.

'Out There!' highlights the positive aspects of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) lives and can be used in both formal and informal education or training settings i.e. within PSHE or SRE in Schools, Equality and Diversity Training or any other work with groups which includes LGB issues.

The DVD provides positive images and case studies of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, using real life

abstracts and focussing on people's hobbies, passions and daily activities - their normal lives.

The DVD is accompanied by a training guide and can be used to promote a more positive and balanced image of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. "One of the best resources I have ever seen on this subject." - Kim Wilson, PSHE Lead.

For further information, please contact : Tel: 0114 226 1900, Email: Admin@chiv.nhs.uk or order on-line at www.sexualhealthsheffield. nhs.uk

For further information please e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

H

The group meets once a month to discuss what to do and messages they should send to teachers in schools.

They have coordinated links with youth services to help young people that are coming out about their sexuality. am part of the group and I think it’s great that they’re putting messages across, we are trying to get into schools and speak to the young people and put the messages out there.

ENDING HOMOPHOBIA THROUGH EDUCATION

I lost my friends because of it. It might not seem like I had it tough but it made me hate myself and I wish I wasn’t gay to make my life easier. But I am now proud of being a lesbian and I’m stronger because of it.

Never be ashamed of who you really are and always remember people do care. Be true to yourself and the rest will follow.”

THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG GAY PEOPLE IN BRITAIN'S SCHOOLS (2007) But it can be even more serious. Neil, 15, reported “sexual assault involving the buttocks and testicles being grabbed was followed by, ‘Queer you enjoy that you poofy bastard’”

On 17th May 2007 we attended a showcase event on IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia). The reception was based on how homophobia affects society, and how homophobia needs to end in schools around greater Manchester.

I myself shared with the people who attended this reception my own experiences of homophobia through out secondary school.

Seeing the number of people who attended the reception showed G EXPECTA DIN TIO EE

NS

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

Also included was a small sketch done by Hope Theatre Company on how homophobia affects young people in today’s schools.

The reception opened eyes to people who attended and how homophobia needs to end, NOW! NOW! NOW!

EXCEEDING Children’s Services

ENDING HOMOPHOBIA IN YOUR SCHOOL Exceeding Expectations T.I.E. Project including a play and interactive workshop about the effects of homophobia is

available to all schools in Manchester. To find out more please contact Maria Oakley.

Tel: 07957 710 185

Manchester

And Paul, who is the same age and also at a Catholic school said when he had difficulties “the response from friends SIXTY-FIVE PER CENT OF LESBIAN AND The report shows that most of the time, was supportive but school teachers did bullies go unpunished while seven out absolutely nothing about it.” The GAY SCHOOL PUPILS HAVE BEEN Stonewall School Report is thought to BULLIED BECAUSE OF THEIR SEXUALITY, of ten of their victims say their own be the biggest of its kind and is based education has suffered.

A SURVEY HAS FOUND. Jessa, an 18-year-old who was surveyed, on a survey of 1,145 youngsters.

Half of teachers ignore homophobic said her “teacher said it was my fault for language when they hear it and 30 per being open” while Catherine, 13, said the There are a series of recommendations in the report, including that schools “teachers join in on the joke.” cent of kids say adults at their school are should encourage role models, train responsible for the bullying. Stonewall, staff, integrate sexual orientation into who wrote the survey, say this means that Other pupils highlight a wide range of the curriculum and celebrate progress. of current secondary school pupils, abuse in the study. Alan, 13, said: “I get 143,000 children have suffered from anti- called names all the time at school, To download the report go to gay name-calling, 64,000 have been especially poof and faggot. My stuff is physically attacked and 26,000 have had always being ripped up or drawn on or www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/ school_report.pdf death-threats. stolen.”

‘Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Bullying in Schools’ is a new publication by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) of ground-breaking new guidance for teachers.

NHS

Primary Care Trusts Manchester Public Health Development Services

HOPE

Theatre Company

MANCHESTER SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD

Susan, a 16-year-old in a single-sex Catholic school, said she wouldn’t report abuse because, “I would more likely get told off for being a lesbian.”

GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES NEW GUIDANCE TO HELP SCHOOLS TACKLE HOMOPHOBIC BULLYING

www.lgf.org.uk

Manchester Multi-Agency Anti-Bullying Policy and Practice Network

Unsurprisingly the situation is far better in schools that tackle the problem – for example by including homophobia in anti-bullying policies – and much worse in faith schools.

homophobia was still at large in today’s society even more in secondary schools. Manchester City Council were supporting the Exceeding Expectations project and were at the reception.

EXPECTATIONS

Exceeding Expectations join Contact Theatre to celebrate diversity with gay hip-hop artists Q Boy and Mz. Fontaine.

4

SCHOOL REPORT

My Experience of Homophobic Bullying by Rachel “At school I got the occasional gay comment and I got bullied for everything else anyway. But when I got to college it was horrible. I was beginning to come to terms with my sexuality and hated it because of how much negativity was around. I guess to people I looked like a lesbian.

EX C

The next thing we are trying to do is make a website for young people to go onto and there will be a separate

website for teachers to get advice and information.”

At first it was just the odd dyke comment, but then in lessons I got it more. People were saying gays were horrible, people wouldn’t work with me and I hadn’t even come out yet.

EXCEEDING

EXPECTATIONS

ere we feedback to you about some of the young people’s experiences of Exceeding Expectations projects and experiences of homophobia in their own words.

The New Young Peoples Sub Group

by Tarrack and Toni “At this group called young peoples participation sub group we are doing stuff to end homophobia in schools by making posters, sending newsletters to teachers and there is a drama production going on to show school children what homophobia is and to show them what there possibilities in life are.

G EXPECTA DIN TIO E E

NS

TALKBACK

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS SHOWCASE by Matthew and Ben

EX C

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

TM

CONTACTS FOR THE EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS INITIATIVE: Tel: Maria 07957 710 185 or Eric 0845 450 9595 or email: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

Even casual use of homophobic language in schools can create an atmosphere that isolates young people and can be the forerunner of more serious forms of bullying.”

The pioneering guidance, commissioned from Stonewall by the DCSF, provides school governors, heads, teachers and other staff with practical information - including lesson plans - about how to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

Harriet Harman MP, Secretary of State for Equality, said: “Homophobic bullying creates an ugly climate of intimidation and makes it harder for young people to come out. Teachers and schools can tackle homophobic bullying and this guidance will help them.”

Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “Homophobic insults should be viewed as seriously as racism.

For more information see: www.teachernet.gov.uk/ wholeschool/behaviour/tackling bullying/homophobicbullying/

NATIONAL ANTIBULLYING WEEK 19th-23rd November ‘Remember that bullying is often motivated by prejudice, especially bullying about race, disability and sexuality.’

This year's Anti-Bullying Week resource pack for schools should now be available in your school and is also available to download. The theme for 2007 is bullying in the community, and the pack includes a summary of research, briefings for teachers, parents, head teachers and governors, and suggestions for how school councils can get involved.

There are also ten top tips for children and young people and all schools will receive in their packs a set of postcards giving practical advice to children and young people, parents and carers and staff. www.antibullyingalliance.org.uk

CONTACT EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS If you would like further support in this area, please do contact the exceeding expectations team.

Tel: Maria 07957 710 185 or Eric 0845 450 9595 e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Guidance for schools and Government plans to stamp out gay bullying (page 2), Developing restorative approaches in schools across Manchester (page 3), Talkback (page 4).

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ENDING HOMOPHOBIA THROUGH EDUCATION

ACHIEVEMENTS YEAR 1 (2006-2007) ● Developed an unprecedented cross sector partnership project to address issues of homophobia within schools and good practice model for tackling homophobia to inform the work of teachers and youth workers which will have a long term impact on the wellbeing of young lesbian gay and bisexual people. ● November 2006 launched a quarterly newsletter, which has been distributed to in February 2006, May 2007 and October 2007 to 176 schools throughout Manchester. To date almost 40,000 newsletters have been distributed. ● Developed and delivered a piece of theatre in education (TIE) to draw on the experiences of young lesbian, gay and bisexual people to highlight and inform educators and other young people on issues surrounding homophobia (see comments overleaf ). ● The piece has been recorded for DVD and will be available for schools later in the year to coincide with a further 6-week tour of the performance. ● 17 May 2007. Held launch event at Manchester Town Hall on International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). A total of 86 people attended including local councilors, governors, teachers and also key persons from partner organisations, funders, and education.

The event was held as the official launch of the project and to showcase the T.I.E piece. ● A Young People’s Participation Group was formed through contacting youth groups across Manchester via Manchester youth Service. The young people are involved in consultation regarding every aspect of the project and the initiative recognises the valuable contribution that they make.

● The young peoples group have been involved in designing a poster to signpost specialist services entitled its ‘OK 2 B gay’ and supported by out gay rap artists Q-Boy and Mz Fontaine. 2 other posters are to be produced looking at reporting homophobic bullying in school and how young LGB people can protect themselves in school if they are suffering from bullying. The group is also developing a website for young people empowering them to support each other. ● A specially developed booklet entitled Every Youth Matters has been made available to all those who work with young LGB people including guidelines on specific matters of interest and concern to young lesbian, gay and bisexual people. ● Partners in the project include: Albert Kennedy Trust, There4me.com, Manchester Safeguarding Children’s Board, Healthy Schools, Hope Theatre Company, Manchester Multi-Agency Anti Bullying and Policy and Practice Network, Manchester City Council’s Children’s Services, Manchester NHS Primary Care Trust (incorporating Public Health Development Service), EIC School, Colleges and Universities Manchester, Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership, Manchester Education Partnership, Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Manchester Youth Service. ● Supporters of the project include EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia), No Outsiders: Researching Approaches to Sexualities Equality in Primary Schools, National Union of Teachers, Schools Out! ● High profile support has come from Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, Pauline Newman, Head of Childrens Services MCC, Sir Ian McKellen, Cast members of Coronation Street and Hollyoaks!

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EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS THEATRE IN EDUCATION Quotes from Manchester School Children 2006/2007 “If you called someone a racist name you’d get done for being racist…But no one gets done if they call someone gay….But with racism you get like excluded and stuff”.

“If a teacher hears you call someone gay they wouldn’t do anything about it….

And if they did everyone would get in trouble…Because everyone says it.”

“I was attacked by six pupils in the changing room, where I was thrown into the showers and beaten up and just left there…the teachers didn’t do anything about it, because it wasn’t in the school policy thing.”

“That’s when the beating started …I was stood in a queue for dinners and somebody just put a compass in my arm, and slashed me across the arm – no one did anything.”

“There was a lot of name-calling at school…which is why I started bunking off school…I was going to be a teacher, go to college, do teacher-training…but I didn’t do well in my GCSEs…the bullying made me stay away.”

“Teachers have got to be stricter…we are the same as anyone else…but we are allowed to be bullied for it – in somewhere where we are supposed to feel safe.”

“I found it extremely hard to tell teachers it was homophobic bullying… it was so hard, you know, I was just this little 13 year old girl who was confused.”

“Something should happen, something should stop all this.”

“Fine, have your opinions, just don’t voice them in a place where I come to learn.”

“One of the biggest issues is people don’t know where to go for help… …Schools need to tell people where to go…like in my school there was this Nurses office, buried away in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the school and you only ever go in there in emergencies and right at the back there

were leaflets saying Report Racism and Don’t take drugs and at the back there was this tiny piece of paper with stuff about being gay…you had to squint to read it…there should be a big sign saying You are not alone, there are people there to help you…you don’t have to go through any of this on your own.”

With thanks to Adam Zane & Hope Theatre Company.

And from school staff…

“The performance is an effective way of dealing with a sensitive issue. Students' opinions and beliefs were challenged in an enjoyable way" Sara Rowland, PSHE Teacher, Newall Green High School.

“Please pass on my thanks to the group. My staff are full of praise and those that missed out have asked me if the group can come back into school. I believe the girls were also positive. Thank you very much indeed. When can we have them back in school?”Jean Rose, Head of PSHE at North Manchester High School for Girls.

“I am a school-based nurse in a local high school and am looking at ways of supporting LGB young people in the school. Would it be possible to have some printed resources and any other material you feel would be helpful to promote awareness and hopefully reduce feelings of isolation" Susan M Baines ,School Nurse, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammer School.

What impact has Exceeding Expectations had on the school environment?

“Raised the profile of the initiative and placed it on the staff’s informal agenda.”

“Staff are more aware of the issues and legal obligations.”

“Improved knowledge for the teachers’ discussion in the staff room.”

“The newsletter offered valuable information.”

“Greater Awareness.”

CONTACTS FOR THE EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS INITIATIVE: Tel: Maria 07957 710 185 or Eric 0845 450 9595 or email: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk