Prejudice doesn’t always announce itself. It shows up in jokes, in assumptions, and in the things that go unsaid. Bigfoot’s workshop for KS3 uses drama, scenario work and honest group discussion to help secondary school students recognise what sexism and controlling behaviour is. Through carefully scaffolded activities that are both relevant and age appropriate for students in Years 7 to 9, we will help them to understand why bias exists and how to develop the skills to challenge it; a genuinely useful workshop for schools committed to gender equality.
The workshop begins by inviting participants 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. Throughout they will begin to develop a vocabulary for what misogyny and controlling behaviour actually is and look likes, and how themes of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination underpins this dangerous kind of negative behaviour.
The second half of the session focuses on action. Using the Stop, Think, Act framework and a range of real-world scenarios, students explore what it means to be an active bystander and ally. Groups work through situations involving sexist language, gender stereotyping and intersectionality whilst practising responses through roleplay and debate. Bigfoot’s safeguarding approach is embedded throughout, with trusted adult networks and support systems discussed at every stage, culminating with students leaving with a clear, practical toolkit that they can actually use in now and in future.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Define and distinguish between key terms: prejudice, bias, sexism, misogyny, 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 challenging discriminatory language and behaviour safely and effectively
NATIONAL CURRICLUM LINKS
- PSHE (KS3): Recognising and challenging discrimination; understanding rights and responsibilities; exploring gender equality, misogyny and the law; relationships and consent
- English (Speaking and Listening): Participating in structured debate and discussion; presenting and defending viewpoints; developing vocabulary around equality, power and gender
- 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 gender-based discrimination, the Equality Act and community responsibility
- Personal Development: Moral and social development through engagement with gender equality, justice and active citizenship; building confidence to challenge prejudice
FORMAT
Target Audience: KS3 (Years 7 to 11)
Session Time: 60 minutes per class
Capacity: One class per session (up to 35 pupils)
Also Available: Whole year group assemblies; CPD and staff training sessions on misogyny in schools
HOW TO BOOK & ENQUIRE
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!
