Application help

[MattDillonsEyebrows]

I'm after some wording help and I wonder if anyone can help.

I am applying to be a school governor, I have been approached by two primary schools and am writing an application for them both, I will only go with one but as both have approached me, I might get a choice which is always nice.

I want to make it clear from the outset that I feel sex segregated spaces should be available, certainly for older primary school girls, and that I don't buy into the gender woo. However, I don't want to say too much and put them off. I've said about girls in particular being encouraged into STEM subjects and sports but can anyone suggest 1-3 lines of the importance of sex segregated spaces in a professional way?

What do you want more, to be a governor, or to make a statement about single sex spaces?
If you want to be a governor, make a statement along the lines that you support equality, human rights, and the law. That you believe schools need to create an environment to encourage and support learning.

I wouldn't. I would maybe put a bit qbout breaking down gender stereotypes. I am not sure what you are looking for otherwise. If you don't want to be a governor in a gender woo school then you could ask. Otherwise it wluld be something for when in role.

I’m not sure strong statements against (or for) particular ideologies are what’s appropriate here.

If I were you (or anyone interested in governing) I’d have a good look through the National Governance Assoc resources here:

www.nga.org.uk/Governance-Recruitment/Be-a-school-governor-or-trustee.aspx

Also check out the schools to see which one of the two you’d be the best fit for, perhaps where you can do most good. If you do want to make a statement, remember that governors are tasked with safeguarding both pupils and staff, and ensuring best possible access to education for ALL the children at a school, even where a decision may appear to disadvantage one or two. So I’d say it’s a governor’s responsibility to oversee the whole school experience for all. This could be an argument in future if you want to show how a large group of pupils might inadvertently be disadvantaged by policies brought in in good faith to cater for one or two. For now I’d say your language is possibly key to getting your point across, so you could mention that you are particularly keen to ensure equal access to all opportunities for boys and girls, and the absence of the word gender will probably speak volumes.

I wouldn't go into it in detail.

You could mention a strong interest in safeguarding, and equality.

Thank you everyone, this is really helpful advice, I think you're right and I won't mention it in the application.
I knew this would be the best place to ask!

That you would work for the benefit of all in the school and be particularly mindful of those with protected characteristics (suspect these are protected for employment rather than education but there you go)

Could also add in something on the importance of safeguarding