New gender toolkit launched in East Ayrshire schools
Primary school teachers in East Ayrshire have taken part in a Gender Equality Information event, which saw the launch of a new gender equality toolkit, created by pupils at Dalmellington Primary school working with the Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and East Ayrshire Women’s Aid.
The ‘Gender 10’ toolkit was designed to support schools and teachers to meet their obligations under current equality legislation and sets out what is required by law and how schools can put this into practice.
The event was held at Loudoun Academy and teachers explored links between gender inequality and gender-based violence as well as receiving an update on gender equality from Education Scotland.
Pupils from Dalmellington Primary then launched the ‘Gender 10’ toolkit, which provided practical examples of challenging gender stereotypes and how to promote gender equality within a primary school setting.
Pupils and staff from the school spoke with the teachers about how they had developed and used the toolkit in school and the benefits that had resulted.
The event also gave teachers an opportunity to discuss ways they could implement the toolkit in their own schools and to share their own experiences of best national and local practice.
Speaking at the event, Depute Provost Claire Leitch said: "The aim of the Gender 10 toolkit is to eradicate gender inequality and be more mindful in our everyday language and actions and it's great to see our young people and staff in East Ayrshire leading the way in driving forward and effecting positive changes in the school setting.”
Councillor Fiona Campbell, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “The Gender 10 toolkit is an excellent way for pupils themselves to have a direct input into how teachers and schools identify equality issues in the classroom.
“The pupils at Dalmellington have done an excellent job in highlighting some of the ways we can improve our own teaching and address any biases we might have, from their perspective.
“It is a fantastic pupil-led resource and, as it rolls out into every school, I’m certain it will help all of us maintain a fair and equitable outlook for all our pupils.”