Challenging Stereotypes

disability workshopA big part of our boys program focusses on challenging stereotypes and building empathy. This week we have the opportunity to attend two workshop sessions to support our learning in these areas.

On Wednesday my class was involved in a ‘disability awareness’ program. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities designed to give them some insight into what it is like for people with disabilities to perform simple school task. It was interesting to see which students rose to the challenge and which students didn’t cope well at all. All students came away with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by students with disabilities in our school.

Today, the boys attended a session run by the Australian Ballet Company. After a lot of groans leading up to the event, the boys were exposed to a challenging and exhausting dance workshop followed by a performance. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to experience something that is not generally promoted as acceptable for them. It was even better to see them participating well and enjoying themselves.

Challenging these stereotypes is vitally important for boys. If their experiences are limited to the footy field and traditional ‘man’ activities they are also limiting their opportunities for the future.

ballet workshop