Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Secondary Teachers.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Description
Schools should be open, safe, and inclusive spaces accessible to all.
Yet, surveys like the one conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2024) show that for many LGBTQIA+ (or those perceived as such), European schools remain a place of potential risk and discrimination.
Experiences of ridicule, exclusion, bullying, or even aggression affect not only their well-being and mental health but also their academic performance and ability to fully participate in school life.
This course is designed for teachers who want to better understand these challenges and take an active role in creating more inclusive classroom environments for all identities.
It aims to provide them with clear knowledge to detect discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and practical tools to support LGBTQIA+ students by preventing and addressing homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools.
During the course, participants will explore key concepts of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression, building a shared vocabulary that makes possible constructive dialogue.
They will be guided in reflecting on stereotypes and biases that may act as barriers to listening and supporting students effectively.
Practical examples will focus on how to support students when they express discomfort and how to intervene effectively in discriminatory attitudes.
At the same time, the wider school context will be considered: how to promote awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues among colleagues and how to collaborate with staff and school leaders to strengthen inclusion policies to create spaces of freedom and acceptance for all students.
By the end of the course, participants will have gained greater awareness of the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ universe and its related needs.
They will have explored practical strategies to recognize and prevent discriminatory behavior, and they will have acquired practical tools to create a safer learning environment.
Finally, they will be prepared to work alongside colleagues, school staff, and school bodies to break down stereotypes and promote a culture of respect, acceptance, and true inclusion.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to:
- Identify the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ students and explain how they affect well-being, learning, and participation in school life;
- Recognize and reflect on stereotypes based on sexual orientation and gender identity;
- Apply practical strategies to support LGBTQIA+ students, helping them when they express discomfort or face discrimination;
- Intervene effectively in cases of bullying, exclusion, or even physical aggression;
- Promote respect for diversity in their classes with age-appropriate activities;
- Collaborate with colleagues and school leaders to create a more open and inclusive school.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the course, the school, and external activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
An open and inclusive school for LGBTQIA+ students: the situation in practice
- Lack of specific EU laws on the protection of LGBTQIA+ students;
- Data on the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ student population across Europe;
- Group reflection: recognizing stereotypes, prejudices, discriminatory language, and attitudes in the school context.
Day 2 – Building knowledge and vocabulary
- Key concepts: the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation;
- Learning and understanding correct terminology: LGBTQIA+, cisgender, transgender, non-binary, queer;
- Heteronormativity: coincidence between body and gender identity;
- The “gender triangle”.
Day 3 – Providing support
- Visibility/recognisability as a supportive person;
- Supporting students during the coming out process: what to do and what not to do;
- Specific challenges for transgender and non-binary students;
- Transgender or non-binary people coming out.
Day 4 – Educating for respect and inclusion
- Responding to discriminatory language in constructive ways: what to do and what not to do;
- Integrating LGBTQIA+ issues into school subjects: practical examples and possible learning scenarios;
- Supporting children from same-sex families or with transgender parents;
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ colleagues: building an inclusive staff culture.
Day 5 – Promoting inclusive school communities
- Involving school staff formally and informally in promoting inclusion;
- Supporting staff training and whole-school awareness;
- Workshop: developing an action plan for inclusive practice in participants’ own schools.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
Download or share
Add to favouritesGet weekly recaps on confirmed sessions!
