Prejudice and gender bias are part of everyday life for many children and young people; often before they even have the words to name them. Bigfoot’s workshop for KS2 uses a variety of creative techniques to have meaningful discussions with pupils in Years 4 to 6 in order to understand what discriminatory behaviour and language is, as well as how to be an active bystander and ally. A timely and thoughtfully designed PSHE programme for primary schools.
The workshop invites children to consider, through guided visualisation techniques, what they picture when they hear the words ‘bus driver’, ‘nurse’, ‘ballet dancer’, ‘footballer’. From here pupils begin to understand what unconscious bias is and how society has historically conditioned us to make certain assumptions about perceived gender norms. The session progresses into a series of Red Light/Green Light scenarios, asking pupils to identify healthy and harmful behaviours and to think about why certain preconceptions and bias surrounding sex and gender continues to exist.
The second part of the session introduces the concept of the ‘active bystander’ through the Stop, Think, Act framework. Using a series of mini scenarios covering sexist language, gender stereotyping and social exclusion, groups work through what they would say and do, practising responses through roleplay and discussion. Pupils leave with a genuine understanding of prejudice, empathy and equality, and the confidence to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Bigfoot’s safeguarding approach runs throughout, with time given to identifying trusted adults and school support systems.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Define and distinguish between key terms: prejudice, bias, sexism, discrimination and controlling behaviour
- Recognise gender bias and understand how unconscious assumptions contribute to sexism and inequality
- Identify healthy and harmful behaviour and develop language to name and challenge what they see
- Understand and apply the active bystander principle using the Stop, Think, Act framework
- Build confidence in speaking up when something is wrong and knowing where to find support
NATIONAL CURRICLUM LINKS
- PSHE (KS2): Recognising and challenging discrimination; understanding rights and responsibilities; developing empathy and respect for difference; keeping safe and recognising harmful behaviour
- English (Speaking and Listening): Participating in structured debate and discussion; developing vocabulary; forming and expressing viewpoints clearly and respectfully
- Drama: Roleplay, scenario work and freeze frames; using drama techniques to explore social themes and rehearse real-world responses
- Citizenship: Understanding British values of equality and respect; exploring fairness, community responsibility and rights
- Personal Development: Moral and social development through themes of fairness, empathy and speaking up; building confidence and a sense of personal responsibility
FORMAT
Target Audience: KS2 (Years 4 to 6)
Session Time: 60 minutes per class
Capacity: One class per session (up to 35 pupils)
Also Available: 90 minute twilight teacher INSET
HOW TO ENQUIRE & BOOK
For us to quote your school and offer availability, please fill out the form below and tell us the year groups and how many classes you would like us to work with, along with any specific dates. We promise to respond to you within 24 hours. Important: if you haven’t heard from us, you may need to check your folder of doom (spam folder) where our emails may occasionally end up!
