Consider gender and sexuality perspectives to support the design of a safe and socially inclusive environment
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Designing and configuring flexible learning spaces to support the full participation and engagement of all students’
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What makes a safe school?
What makes a safe school?
Young people discuss what makes school safe or unsafe, and how to create a place where everyone belongs. They encourage schools to take a norm-challenging approach.
Closed Captions
Safety policies
Safety policies
We have a policy of safety around identity and culture, and that includes gender. We feel strongly that every child deserves to feel safe in the school environment.
Board Chair
Design safe, accessible personal spaces
Design safe, accessible personal spaces
Stephen Heppell talks about the design of personal spaces, such as toilets and bathrooms. Consult with students from the beginning.
No captions or transcript
Understand threats to wellbeing
Understand threats to wellbeing
“Some students are not going to the toilet all day because they don't feel safe using school bathrooms.”
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Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Questions for reflection
Questions for reflection
Supporting feelings of wellbeing and safety should be central to the design of an ILE.
- Where are the areas in the school where students feel unsafe or where they would like to feel more safe? Have students map or photograph these places.
- How can we repurpose bullying hotspots, such as hallways or walkways between buildings?
- What kinds of spaces increase feelings of safety and wellbeing?
- What kinds of signage demonstrate respect for gender diversity?
- What changes can we make to school protocols and organisation, such as uniform choices and sports groupings, to increase options for students?
Useful resources
Useful resources
Guidance on wellbeing and bullying prevention.
BullyingfreeNZ
This guide supports schools to create safe and positive learning environments. It aims to help prevent bullying behaviour and provides practical advice on what to do when bullying occurs. It also includes a section on whole-school approaches.
Publisher: BullyingFree NZ
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design for all from the outset”:
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Current page Consider gender and sexuality perspectives
Return to the guide “Planning innovative learning environments (ILEs)”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: ILEs
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Collaborate to develop an inclusive ILEShow suggestions for Collaborate to develop an inclusive ILE
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Develop inclusive teaching practicesShow suggestions for Develop inclusive teaching practices
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Design for all from the outsetShow suggestions for Design for all from the outset
- Design for flexible use of space
- Reflect cultural perspectives
- Consider gender and sexuality perspectives
- Consider mobility needs
- Consider sensory needs
- Support wellbeing and belonging
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Involve students in transition to new spaceShow suggestions for Involve students in transition to new space
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Work with parents and whānauShow suggestions for Work with parents and whānau
