Teaching and Learning - Case Study

Teaching and Learning is central to every school and consequently critical for fostering inclusion. What happens in the classroom, the learning resources, questioning, student grouping, classroom management, communication, and interactions that take place in every lesson can all impact a student’s sense of self-worth and ability to contribute in the lesson, and beyond. 

 All staff are encouraged to recognise their own biases and to consider the impact this may have on underserved students in their classroom.

School F has taken a proactive approach to developing pupil awareness of the skills they develop in STEAM activities. Pupils have given positive feedback and the school now explicitly links jobs and careers with skills in STEAM sessions, ensuring pupils understand the future value of the skills they are developing.  

At School B, homework is used to build diversity awareness at key points in the year, such as Black History Month, International Women’s Day, and Pride Month. Pupils rated posters and presentations about a scientist or inventor they had researched. By choosing individuals that linked with events, such as Black History Month, students and their peers increased their range of diverse STEAM role models.

Things to consider:

• Are staff trained in inclusive language and can they confidently challenge discriminatory language?
• Are staff confident in making reasonable adjustments in lessons to make the learning accessible to everyone?
• Do staff have a positive attitude to all subjects?
• Is there an opportunity for the curriculum to be delivered from a different point of view?
• Are learning resources and opportunities diverse in their representation of society?

How to achieve something similar in your school:

• Run training on unconscious bias for all staff to help them recognise and address its potential impact in the classroom. Make use of curriculum, resources, and enrichment opportunities to challenge stereotypes and empower young people to make positive contributions and broaden their ambitions for future pathways. Ensure staff are confident in identifying and supporting the underserved groups in your school, especially if they are in more than one underserved group.