News Feed

“Language creates culture, and words can foster harmony and inclusivity or cause division.” - Respect Project Student Representative.

The Respect Project is a cocurricular activity at BGS, where the primary role of the students is to educate peers about a range of issues relating to the broad concept of respectful relationships.

The group spent Term 3 planning a lesson dedicated to the impact of language, giving considerable thought to the best way of making the message resonate with their peers. Students created materials to support the lesson, including a video to raise awareness and conversational scenario prompts, each one relating to gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or disabilities.

Student Prompt: Language Matters

The boys highlighted that the language used within peer groups is a key area that can help everyone feel they belong. They emphasised the importance of being mindful of our words, particularly the casual language used.

These students understand the power and impact their words can have, “We understand that it may not even be malicious, it may just be a mistake... We want everyone to feel like they belong.” - Respect Project Student Representative.

Since then, the campaign has been introduced during Student Wellbeing lessons to great effect. This student-led lesson supports the School’s Protect and Connect initiative and prioritises student voice.

The value of student voice in such matters is vital as it allows them to connect more deeply to their own peers and gives them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Student Wellbeing curriculum, having a say in how we support their wellbeing as a school.

Equal parts challenging and fruitful, this unique experience has had a fantastic outcome for all, setting a precedent for future learning.

Philippa Douglas, Director of Student Wellbeing programs said, “The feedback received from both Form Tutors and students has been very positive. The provocations, created by students, sparked rich and energetic discussions during lessons. The success of the experience has prompted further opportunities to engage the student voice in the development of future Student Wellbeing lessons. After all, the curriculum is for them, and it needs to be relevant to their experiences and needs.”

The Respect Project has already begun their planning for next year.