Allana Howard – Teacher
Why did your school decide to launch action against sexism and sexual harassment?
Increasing concerns nationally and locally in safeguarding led to an initial interest in increasing our students’ understanding of what sexual harassment and sexism is – and encouraging a community whereby students at our school felt comfortable reaching out for support if they were victims of harmful behaviours.
What action has the school taken so far and what are your plans for the future?
Two years ago we completed a whole school survey on sexism and sexual harassment of our students. The findings showed us that this was an issue that a large number of our students were dealing with, both in and out of school, and this led to key actions for us to tackle it. UK Feminista resources were used to support students to recognise what sexual harassment and sexism is, and encourage them to examine their own behaviours and also report any concerns to staff. Multiple assemblies and Personal Development lessons across years 7-13 were delivered to ensure these behaviours were not normalised and to encourage students to report. Student voice was key and students were trained to support their peers and develop their own resources to tackle sexism and sexual harassment. Whole staff training was also delivered to ensure that staff felt confident in tackling these issues and that students were clear that any member of staff could support them with any concerns.
What impact has your action to tackle sexism and sexual harassment had so far?
A further whole school survey was conducted following two years of work tackling sexism and sexual harassment in our school. The impact was clear, we saw a drastic reduction in the number of students reporting that they were victims of these concerns and they also felt overwhelmingly more confident in reporting incidents. Those students who continued to report concerns were given personalised support and we will continue to highlight this problem and encourage students to reach out.
How have UK Feminista’s resources, training and Action Award scheme supported your school to take action?
The UK Feminista resources have been invaluable to our work – the posters are a clear visual of our expectations of behaviour in school, and the staff training and student resources were key to our work in increasing confidence of both staff and students in this sensitive area. The Gold UK Feminista: Action Award was the absolute icing on the cake – to the have the recognition that although issues of sexism and sexual harassment may still exist across society, we are aiming to support our students recognise and call out these behaviours.
What advice would you give to other schools about combatting sexism and sexual harassment?
Use the UK Feminista CPD resources to start out and then get as many staff members involved as possible – they will be key in driving this important message to your students. Student voice is key – listen to those concerns and set your actions from there.
