Understand legal obligations and children's rights
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversity’
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Revisit NZC values
Revisit NZC values
Ensure student rights are upheld.
The New Zealand Curriculum is underpinned by values of diversity, equity and respect, and upholds human rights.
These values ensure the rights of all students to:
- self expression
- identification
- support.
Ensure all students are safe
Ensure all students are safe
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.
Primary school BoT member
Commit to diversity
Commit to diversity
Inclusion means preventing invisibility, especially in the curriculum.
School boards and staff must ensure that they recognise and affirm the diversity within their school so that everyone feels welcome and valued.
Diversity in schools includes diversity of:
- cultures
- ethnicity
- beliefs and values
- learning needs
- sexes
- sexualities
- gender identities and expressions.
Ensure freedom from discrimination
Ensure freedom from discrimination
All students have the right to be accepted for who they are and access to positive environments for learning.
![10924 [High-school-students-walking-through-foyer.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/High-school-students-walking-through-foyer__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (opens in a new tab/window)
Meet legal obligations
Meet legal obligations
All students have the right to learn in an environment where they feel accepted, supported, and are safe.
Boards of trustees play a key governance role in ensuring the learning environment addresses the needs of all learners.
It is the legal obligation of the board of trustees to:
- provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students
- ensure the safety of students and employees.
Source: The National Administration Guidelines (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
Affirming diversity of sexualities and gender identities in the school community
Read time: 36 min
Guidelines to assist boards of trustees and PPTA branches to consider how well their schools recognise and affirm diversity of sexualities and gender identities. Published by the PPTA.
Publisher: New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association
Safety in schools toolkit
Read time: 51 min
Resource to assist schools to develop and implement effective anti-violence policies, practices, and procedures.
Publisher: New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversity”:
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Current page Understand legal obligations and children's rights
Return to the guide “Supporting LGBTQIA+ students”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: LGBTQIA+ students
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversityShow suggestions for Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversity
- Build understanding of key concepts and terms
- Explore Māori and Pasifika understandings
- Understand legal obligations and children's rights
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Design inclusive school-wide systems and processesShow suggestions for Design inclusive school-wide systems and processes
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Address immediate environmental, physical and social needsShow suggestions for Address immediate environmental, physical and social needs
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Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculumShow suggestions for Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculum
