LGBTQIA+: what secondary school educators need to know

Young people have an increasing awareness of and interest in gender and sexuality and schools can play a vital role in providing information and support to young people who may be exploring their identity. This does not mean that that a young person will experience any problems with their mental health but statistics show that there can be associated difficulties due to prejudice and discrimination. School staff can play a key part in supporting young people during this process and in establishing an open and non-judgemental culture among peer groups. In this two-hour webinar, Ian Timbrell explores how secondary school educators can feel confident about having these conversations with young people.

Actionable insights, tips and techniques

By the end of this two-hour session, you’ll have:

• An awareness of the nine protected characteristics and the challenges that these groups face in secondary education settings
• An understanding of how LGTBQIA+ fits with safeguarding
• An explanation of the meaning of gender and sexuality terminology
• An understanding of gender bias and how this can be avoided in secondary schools
• Easy ways to improve the diversity of the curriculum

About Ian Timbrell

Ian Timbrell has worked in the education sector for 15 years in a range of settings, including as an ICT Advisor and a Deputy Headteacher. His leadership and grammar work have been recognised in Estyn case studies and the team at his most recent school, Cwmbach Community Primary School, will become the first primary school in Wales to achieve the Proud Trust's Rainbow Award. He now works as an RSE and LGBTQ+ consultant and is an adoptive father to his nine-year-old son, and is often to be found tweeting about books, grammar, LGBT+ equality, life as a dad, or education in general.