Learners Induction Resource 1

Equality & Diversity?What's it got to do with me?

Equality & Diversity?What's it got to do with me?

Welcome to our Equality & Diversity Induction for Learners.The following activity can be completed…

or in a group tutorial

It will help you focus on why Equality & Diversity (E&D) issues are important to this college, and how they affect you.

alonewith a friend

Equality & DiversityWhat's it got to do with me?

Why does the college need an Equality and Diversity policy?

Because we are in the business of education, our Equality & Diversity policy affects everything we do…


It ensures that the staff we attract come from different backgrounds and all walks of life - just like our students…


It defines how staff and learners behave towards each other and handle their differences…


It influences how and what we teach you…


It ensures that our buildings are welcoming, accessible and disability-friendly…


...in other words, it is central to whether you, our learners, achieve and succeed.

So what exactly is Equality & Diversity?


If possible, jot down your thoughts so you can discuss them with someone else in your group.

What words or phrases come to mind whenyou hear these two terms?

Equality? Diversity?



We want to be the kind of college where everyone, our staff as well as our learners, feels welcomed, supported and respected. But to achieve this, we need your help…

At EFC, we believe Equality & Diversity is about everyone deserving fair treatment and an equal chance in life, regardless of their age, background, lifestyle, culture, ability or individual needs.


Firstly, we need you to sign up to EFC’s Code of Conduct, to help us create a college where everyone has the right to RESPECT, SAFETY and LEARNING


Then we need you to think about what these rights mean to you and others in your group – and to see if you can come to an agreement...


Given the college’s diversity, it would also help to think about the dangers of pre-judging others. It’s easily done – we are

constantly bombarded with other people’s stereotypes. Recognise him?

Sex and drugs, that’s all young people are interested in these

days…

Of course, the problem with all these foreigners is that they’re taking British

jobs…

Football supporters, lager louts, they’re all the same if you ask me, a bunch of delinquents…

The trouble with young women these days is

that they have no morals, no self-

respect.


You should also think about the language you use…


…and how it could affect others

Why do we take this issue so seriously? Consider this:

Mira has enrolled on a course to become an Engineer…


Soon after she starts her course, the other students – all of whom are boys – begin to make fun of her and call her names.

When she tells her dad, he says he thinks she’d probably be happier doing hairdressing…



Mira is not sure what to do. She could

• Forget about studying Engineering and leave the course

• Complain to someone in authority

• Get her brother to come in and tell the other boys to leave her alone - or there’ll be trouble…


Mira can’t make up her mind, so she asks a friend for advice.

If you were her friend, what would you advise her to do – and why?


Like every other student in this college, Mira has a right to achieve what she came here to do.

So remember - if you feel disrespected or unsafe, please tell somebody! Don’t be like Mira and let other people’s ignorance get in the way of your learning.

Your personal tutor is here to help you, or if you prefer, you can speak to someone from the Students Union or a member of staff.


Help us to make Epping Forest College • A place where everyone feels supported• A place where everyone feels respected• A place where everyone belongs

Education

Learners Induction Resource 1