Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

Year 8 PHSE - gender identity

6 replies

Nowconcerned · 05/02/2024 10:11

Hello,

I received a letter from my DD's school last week, informing me that the subjects being taught in PHSE this term include "gender identity". No further details of this topic and no option to withdraw (not that I think that is a good idea usually, anyway). I think the school (like most?) is incredibly woke and already have some concerns that my DD says she is "not a girl" (though she fully accepts biological reality). I don't post much but follow and have concerns that she might just receive affirmation is she says anything like that and they may not be au fait with Cass guidelines.

Any suggestions what to ask the school or how to approach?

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
MrsOvertonsWindow · 05/02/2024 10:27

Here you are OP:
Safe Schools Alliance have lots of advice about the law around this and talking to schools:
https://safeschoolsallianceuk.net/schools-resources-and-policies/

Transgender Trend also have lots of insightful articles about the gaslighting of chlldren in schools about this:
https://www.transgendertrend.com/schools-resources/

Here's a thread where a mumsnetter had to deal with this in their child's primary school - there's lots of useful links on this and her first thread linked inthe op:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/4733278-sex-not-gender-no-outsiders-changing-the-equality-act-depheaddsl-captured?page=5&reply=124610063

Schools resources & policies - Safe Schools Alliance UK

Many schools' PSHE resources come from gender ideology lobby groups. This guide supports parents in countering incorrect information..

https://safeschoolsallianceuk.net/schools-resources-and-policies

menopausalmare · 05/02/2024 10:47

I'm a biology teacher, a parent and GC. I think gender identity does need to be discussed in schools, if only to make clear to pupils the difference between biological sex and gender identity which are often confused. Many pupils are exploring this and it needs talking about. I would ask to be sign posted to their teaching resources. Our school was circulating material stating that it's ok to use the toilet of your choice and this needs flagging up to the school if their toilets are not designed for unisex use.

Ingenieur · 05/02/2024 10:51

menopausalmare · 05/02/2024 10:47

I'm a biology teacher, a parent and GC. I think gender identity does need to be discussed in schools, if only to make clear to pupils the difference between biological sex and gender identity which are often confused. Many pupils are exploring this and it needs talking about. I would ask to be sign posted to their teaching resources. Our school was circulating material stating that it's ok to use the toilet of your choice and this needs flagging up to the school if their toilets are not designed for unisex use.

I agree. Gender Identity should be taught in RE, like all other un-evidenced beliefs.

Original poster
Nowconcerned · 05/02/2024 11:16

Thank you. I am fine with gender identity being taught in schools. My daughter can clearly understand the distinction with biology but I agree that is important.

My concern relates to whether teachers have the knowledge and training to respond appropriately to a child, possibly like my daughter, who might say "I am not a girl" or "I am non-binary" or "I am a boy" without resulting in positive affirmation? I personally think this is quite difficult to do well with a class of 30 and worry the approx 23 year old form tutor might not have sufficient training or experience?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page