Understanding Identity and Respect

Overview

This 60-minute PSHE session is designed for 8 students (Optimal group size for interactive discussions) aged 11-13 to explore LGBTQIA+ inclusivity through engaging activities and meaningful dialogue. The lesson connects with the UK PSHE Association Programme of Study, focusing on Health and Wellbeing and Relationships Education with an emphasis on diversity, respect, and identity.

Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association Programme of Study (2020):
  • Health and Wellbeing: Understand and respect differences and diversity, including LGBTQIA+ identities.
  • Relationships: Recognising and challenging stereotypes, learning about equality, inclusion, and respect for all.
• Department for Education (DfE) Relationships Education Guidance (2019):
  • Respect for differences and the importance of equality, including different families and identities.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand key concepts related to LGBTQIA+ identities and inclusivity.
2. Explore the influence of language, stereotypes, and respect in creating inclusive communities.
3. Develop empathy and communication skills through discussion and reflection.
4. Identify how to challenge prejudice and support peers in inclusive ways.

---

Resources Required

• Large paper/posters and coloured markers
• Scenario cards with diverse, age-appropriate situations (including examples relevant to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity)
• ‘I Am’ identity cards (blank for students to fill in)
• Sticky notes
• Whiteboard or flipchart
• Pre-prepared inclusive vocabulary list (with terms like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, ally)

---

Timetable and Activity Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description
0-10 min	Circle Warm-Up: ‘Who Am I?’	Students create ‘I Am’ cards with words describing themselves (e.g. hobbies, feelings, identities). Share in a circle, fostering openness and building trust.
10-20 min	Terminology and Language Exploration	Introduce and discuss vocabulary related to LGBTQIA+. Use the inclusive vocab list. Ask students to share any questions or thoughts about terminology to clarify meaning and promote acceptance.
20-35 min	Scenario Discussions in Pairs	Hand out scenario cards exploring everyday situations with LGBTQIA+ themes (e.g. hearing a friend use a homophobic joke, someone coming out, diverse families). Students discuss responses focusing on respect and support, then feed back key ideas to the group.
35-50 min	‘Respect in Action’ Poster Creation	Split into small groups. Each creates a poster illustrating how to foster respect and inclusion in school. Include examples and phrases to challenge stereotypes or discrimination. Present to class.
50-60 min	Plenary and Reflection: ‘Sticky Note Voices’	Each student writes one positive message or takeaway about inclusivity on a sticky note and places it on a ‘Our Inclusive Community’ board. Facilitator closes with highlighting common themes and encouragement to apply learning in daily life.

---

Detailed Activity Guidance

Circle Warm-Up: ‘Who Am I?’ (10 mins)

• Purpose: Build trust, encourage sharing, and celebrate individuality.
• Instructions: Students decorate cards describing themselves (e.g., interests, feelings). This normalises diversity in experiences and identities without pressure.
• Teacher script tip: Model your card first, including a respectful statement about identity or respect.

Terminology and Language Exploration (10 mins)

• Purpose: Demystify terms, reduce stigma, encourage respectful language use.
• Approach: Present words visually, briefly explain each. Invite students to ask questions or express feelings.
• Support inclusivity: Acknowledge all correct questions, gently correct misconceptions, and emphasise respect.

Scenario Discussions in Pairs (15 mins)

• Scenarios should be crafted to be age-appropriate and realistic, addressing common challenges or dilemmas relating to inclusivity.
• Example Scenario: “Your friend tells a homophobic joke. How do you respond?”
• After discussions, groups share ideas, teacher synthesises key respectful responses and supportive actions.
• Emphasise communication skills: listening, empathy, standing up kindly.

‘Respect in Action’ Poster Creation (15 mins)

• Small groups co-create emphasising visual creativity to deepen engagement.
• Encourage use of inclusive language, slogans, and drawings.
• Posters remain visible as classroom reminders of inclusive values.

Plenary and Reflection: ‘Sticky Note Voices’ (10 mins)

• Personalized reflections provide a collective sense of ownership of inclusivity values.
• Sticky notes represent individual voices contributing to a shared positive community ethos.
• Teacher closes with affirming message: Everyone’s identity deserves respect.

---

Assessment and Evaluation

• Formative: Observe participation in discussions and group work, noting empathy and understanding.
• Summative: Review posters for demonstration of respectful language and ideas.
• Self/Peer: Reflection in plenary through sticky notes shows personal insights and attitude shifts.

---

Additional Notes for Teachers

• Create a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe to express themselves.
• Be prepared to address sensitive questions with honesty and age-appropriate explanations.
• Use inclusive teaching methods: active listening, validating experiences, encouraging peer support.
• Challenge stereotypes gently but firmly; recognise and celebrate diversity as a strength.
• Adapt language and examples to reflect your specific class demographics and community context.

---

This session provides a stimulating and thoughtful approach to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, combining reflective, discursive, and creative activities aligned with UK educational standards and sensitive pastoral care principles. It is designed to empower young learners to be respectful, empathetic individuals who contribute positively to diverse communities.