Here the team from the Excel and Exceed School share why they worked towards the accreditation and how they made this great achievement.
We started working towards the Rainbow Flag award in September 2020. The aim of the award is to demonstrate how we promote the positive inclusion of LGBTQ students in our school. We felt it was important to have a school where young people who identify as LGBTQ are able to feel safe and confident in their identity. Having an inclusive environment also makes it easier for young people to ‘come out’ and access support.
Young people who identify as LGBTQ are often under-represented in schools and face many challenges. Providing students with positive representations of LGBTQ and positive role models can go a long way in raising self-esteem. It is important that all young people, regardless of their gender are educated around LGBTQ identities as this can help reduce bullying and remove stigma.
The award is broken down into six categories:
Over the course of the last 12 months we have worked hard to achieve each of the six individual awards – our first one being the Skilled Teacher Award in December 2020 and our final awards of Inclusive Curriculum, Pastoral Support and Student Voice were achieved in September 2021.
This now means we have passed all elements of the Rainbow Flag Award and are now an official Rainbow Flag Award holder!
Below is a summary of what was demonstrated for each category:-
Skilled Teacher – We have demonstrated that staff, senior leaders and non-teaching staff are able to recognise and consistently challenge and report LGBTQ phobic and that they confidently use positive and appropriate language around LGBTQ identities.
Supportive Governors & Parents – Governors and parents show and understanding of the needs to combat LGBTQ phobia through positive education and representation and know where to go for support and information if needed.
Effective Policies – Policies are in place to address LGBTQ phobia and positively support whole school LGBTQ inclusion.
Inclusive Curriculum – LGBTQ people and identities have been positively represented across all areas of the curriculum. This includes lessons and activities that are LGBTQ inclusive as well as those that are LGBT specific.
Pastoral Support – LGBTQ pupils wishing to explore or express their gender and/or sexuality are given the support they need. Skilled staff from within the school are able to support through signposting and referrals to appropriate local services.
Student Voice – Student led initiatives are valued and support to create an LGBTQ inclusive and positive environment.