Lessons in Love and Understanding: Relationships, Sexuality and Gender in the Classroom

Sex and gender are delicate and nuanced issues for all of us and can be intimidating topics to teach. This practical, empathetic book aims to dispel some of the uncertainties that many teachers have and empower them to lead inclusive, age-appropriate lessons in primary and secondary schools. Taking an approach that celebrates the individual identity of all learners, and underpinned by an awareness of the complexity of language around these topics, this book offers a careful evaluation of the 2020 Relationship and Sex Education policy for schools in England, and how schools can offer intelligent, socially responsible, sex education that goes beyond simply meeting statutory requirements.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Understanding the self Chapter 2: Gender Chapter 3: Relationships Chapter 4: Sexuality and sex Chapter 5: Gender and sexology through the Ages Chapter 6: Policy, Guidance and Sign Posting for Teachers Chapter 7: Establishing a safe learning and teaching space Chapter 8: Ethics, advocacy and who does what

About the Author :
Jenni Gates is currently working in private practice as an integrative counselling therapist in Devon, UK, as well as offering online counselling internationally.  Jenni has many years of experience working with young people and families in schools and education settings, across the UK, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing; she believes education is key to a happier and healthier world.  Scott Buckler has been involved in education since the 1990s, fluctuating between primary teaching, secondary teaching (science, computing, psychology), and universities (education, sport, psychology). From teaching research methods across the expanse of education (from the primary years through to doctorates), Scott has been an advocate of high quality research, through facilitating an open mind while maintaining academic integrity. His research has encompassed many areas, often with the theme of personal and professional growth, through the lens of transpersonal psychology. His PhD thesis was interdisciplinary, combining anthropology and psychology to explore the way that the martial arts lead to personal transformation. Professionally, Scott’s research is predominantly in applied educational psychology, inclusive education, and research methods. Scott is a Chartered Teacher and Chartered Psychologist.

Review :
‘There has never been a more important time to help teachers explore the complexities of teaching sex and relationship education that truly represents the diverse nature of the families and society which young people inhabit. This book will be an invaluable aid to teachers in confidently having sensitive conversations about gender and sexual diversity.’ ‘Informative, helpful and packed with practical advice for all Key Stages, this is a timely and important book.’ ‘This is an important book in the too-often overlooked field of gender and sexuality education for young people. If appropriately applied, it should lead to a quiet revolution in the physical and mental health of young people who have so unreasonably been disenfranchised by the lack of quality, accessible information in this vital area.’