Bold Voices visit Sidcot School

The Bold Voices day began with training staff. They were shown how to appropriately respond to and challenge language and attitudes. This was followed by interactive talks to Years 10-11 and 12-13 on misogyny, language, and violence. This incorporated statistics and real-life examples to build up a picture of how gender inequality manifests in the world around us. It showed how seemingly harmless attitudes and stereotypes can cause more extreme inequality to grow and thrive.

Students felt that it was a powerful and inspiring day. One participant said that “I hadn’t thought about the effect of language in that way before” and “it gave me hope that these issues will become more talked about and inspire change”.

Sidcot School will keep these lessons going in the school. A group of Sixth-Formers will take part in the South West Bold Voices Student Ambassador programme. This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead on creating change around issues of sexism, sexual harassment, and gender inequality. They will also have two parent representatives involved with the project. They will take part in three online virtual sessions throughout the next academic year to support this programme.