Minister for Safeguarding meets with TGGS Sixth Form

As part of our PSHE programme at TGGS, Sixth Form students receive tutorials regarding sexual harassment, consent, and legislation regarding sexual discrimination in the workplace.  The content of these tutorials resonated strongly with our students this year, leading to the emergence of a student group who are working to advocate change which will empower young people. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard has highlighted why young people in schools need to understand their rights and the role of wider society in making workplaces and public spaces inclusive and safe for all individuals. 

 

Contact was made with the local MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Home Office, Kevin Foster, who then arranged a virtual meeting between the Minister of Safeguarding - Victoria Atkins, Head of Sixth Form at TGGS - Emma Brown, and student leader Chloe. The meeting  was highly productive, with discussion on how both schools and the wider community can address issues regarding sexual harassment and misogyny. Proposals such as compulsory PSHE sessions at KS5 in all schools and colleges, as well as having visible champions for inclusivity in both schools and workplaces were put forward. Ms Atkins was also able to provide an insight into the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill that passed through Parliament this week.

 

It's great to see Government listening to school leaders and students about issues that can impact so significantly on young women. We stand firm in our effors to encourage and support our students as they work to bring about societal change that will make a difference.