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Geashill National School
Policy Statement On Equality of Opportunity
Rationale:
Our school welcomes all children who wish to enrol here regardless of colour, creed, culture or race. Each child is valued for himself/herself and provided with opportunities to develop at his/her own rate and to their fullest potential.
The curriculum seeks to promote the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, moral and spiritual development of all children. It provides each child with the kind and variety of opportunities, stimulation and fulfilment, which will enable him/her to develop at his/her own rate and to his/her fullest capacity. As educators we are aware of the cultural diversity which exists in Irish society today and therefore which exists within our classrooms. In acknowledging this change in society, curricular content extends to include cultural diversity. This is done in a way that does not cause embarrassment to any individual. We heighten all children's awareness to the contribution which ethnic groups have made to the history and culture of a country.
The general curriculum of our school, in its planning recognises the need for children to be aware of and learn about different cultures thus leading to greater tolerance and understanding. Attitudes of tolerance and equality of opportunity for all, and respect for diversity of cultures are fostered.
Legal Considerations:
Aims:
It is the policy of Geashill N.S. to:
1. Promote greater awareness of equality issues in society.
2. Help the children to achieve their potential regardless of their gender, race, culture, disability or learning needs.
3. Promote a supportive and inclusive environment which will foster the development of the self-esteem of boys and girls.
4. Contribute to the breaking down of stereotypes and to the opening up of opportunities for all pupils.
Procedures:
1. In curricular issues, only textbooks, which promote equality of opportunity, will be used in the school.
2. All children will be encouraged to partake in activities which traditionally may have been gender biased, eg. Construction work, knitting.
3. Boys and girls will be encouraged to be involved in sporting activities together.
4. There will be a greater awareness on behalf of the staff in relation to asking boys and girls to carry out certain responsibilities eg. Jobs rota - boys and girls do the same jobs.
5. Nothing will appear in an advertisement which will indicate a preference for one gender over the other. No questions will be asked at an interview which could be interpreted as discriminating on gender grounds. The school's policy in this regard would be enshrined in a statement that, ''This school is an Equal Opportunities Employer''.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
1. Teacher observation.
2. Parental feedback.
3. Staff discussion.
4. Feedback from the children through discussion groups eg. 'Circle Time'