Feature

Sally Gillen talks sexism, harassment and positivity with leaders of a feminist school club.

INSPIRING teachers propel their pupils with a sense of positivity and sky’s-the-limit possibility.

A great example of that can be found at St Laurence School in Wiltshire, where a handful of sixth form students have been leading what assistant head teacher Laura Barber describes as a “real whole-school movement” to tackle sexism, misogyny and harassment.

Their inspiration was teacher Amy Battensby. She set up Feminista, a club for students that has two aims: to celebrate and promote feminism, and to tackle sexism –starting with everyday sexist language – and harassment. When Amy went on maternity leave, the girls were encouraged to take the club on themselves as part of a growing student leadership initiative.

“It has gone from strength to strength,” says Laura, who is also deputy designated safeguarding lead. “The year 12s set the agenda. They run the meetings and they are actioning things all around school.”

Lively debate in a safe environment

English teacher and literacy co-ordinator

Heather Browne, who oversees the afterschool sessions, is similarly impressed: “They have already made a terrific impact. There is always lively debate in a safe environment and student leaders organise a range of activities including book discussions, making mini video speeches on issues of gender equality and updating the Feminista display board, which promotes great films, literature and more. They have also produced some highly covetable pin badges.”

Open to all, the group meets for an hour a week. Sessions have included a celebration of female heroes such as education campaigner Malala Yousafzai and actor and gender equality activist Emma Watson, and an exploration of the history of feminism.