It was what I think, in my humble opinion, good inset should be: a chance to challenge our current thinking, whilst building on our existing knowledge and skills; plenty of practical activities.

Zoe Anderson, Assistant Headteacher, Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ Grammar School

The Increasingly Diverse Classroom

As society becomes increasingly diverse so does the makeup of the cohort of learners in our classrooms. It is important that schools and teachers are able to deal with diversity in a positive way, to create an inclusive and positive experience for all of their pupils. Sondra Thierderman’s work around unconscious bias exemplifies just how difficult this can be to achieve.

How Can Schools Cater for Diversity?

It is important that schools raising the awareness of issues, challenges and opportunities around diversity, are clear about the influences that unconscious bias can have, and also the potential for some learners to become marginalised. As well as this understanding it is important that teachers have practical strategies to employ on their lessons to ensure that learning is inclusive and that all youngsters have the opportunity to achieve to their potential


Benefits of the Inclusive Classroom INSET

  • Identifying the issues, challenges and opportunities around diversity
  • To clarify key terminology used around diversity, equality and inclusion
  • To explore how to celebrate diversity and how to see issues from different perspectives
  • To confront the challenge of unconscious bias and marginalisation
  • To identify some practical steps and strategies for creating a more inclusive classroom and differentiated teaching, learning and assessment

See also our EDI course: Building a Positive EDI School Culture

JMC EDI Team

INSET Outline

The Inclusive Classroom: Setting the Scene

  • What do we mean by the terms diversity, equality and inclusion?
  • Other concepts to be aware of such as unconscious bias and marginalisation
  • Identifying issues, challenges and opportunities within our teaching context both at school level and for individual teachers


Creating an Inclusive Classroom

  • Understanding different models of inclusive learning
  • Developing an awareness of personal biases including unconscious biases
  • Addressing marginalisation
  • Identifying areas of focus when considering inclusivity (rules, activity, people, power)


Inclusive Teaching and Learning

  • Clarifying concepts such as equity, equality and differentiation
  • Strategies for learners to explore concepts and issues from a range of perspectives
  • Identify some practical inclusive teaching strategies
  • Addressing development priorities

Find out more about our extensive range of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion CPD here

If you are a SLT member or EDI lead looking to arrange an EDI Review, more information can be found here

JMC EDI Team

To book this INSET in your school

enquiries@jmcinset.com

020 8531 4182

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