EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CLASSROOM 16 th October 2013

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

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. Equal Opportunities?

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

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

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

Why we should build equal opportunity and diversity into our work? Equal opportunity and diversity are strongly interconnected: we need both. 1.The goal is to develop learners’ abilities and skills 2.Equal opportunity and diversity themes provide real content to develop the learners’ skills in a meaningful way. 3.Learners have the right to have their differences respected. What are the benefits…..?

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. Institutional Commitment

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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…. Lessons to be learnt