We understand that every pupil or student’s journey is unique, and we want to provide the help and support you needs as an LGBTQ+ student or someone questioning their identity. Our school is here to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
You are not alone
Always remember that you’re not alone in your journey. There are people in our school and community who care about you and want to support you, including friends, family, and school staff.
Understanding LGBTQ+ terms
It’s essential to know and understand different LGBTQ+ terms like gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression. This knowledge can help you better understand yourself and others, and create an inclusive environment.
- Gender Identity is how we feel inside about being a boy, a girl, both, or neither. Some people might be transgender, which means their gender identity doesn’t match the body they were born in. Other people might be non-binary, which means they don’t feel like just a boy or a girl.
- Sexual Orientation is who we are attracted to or who we have romantic feelings for. People might be straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, depending on whether they are attracted to people of the opposite gender, the same gender, or both.
- Gender Expression is how we show our gender to the world. This might be through the clothes we wear, the way we style our hair, or how we act. Everyone’s gender expression is different, and it’s important to respect and celebrate each other’s unique styles.
- Queer is a word that some people in the LGBTQ+ community use to describe themselves. It can be a way of saying that they don’t fit into traditional ideas about gender and sexuality.
- Pronouns are the words we use to refer to someone when we don’t use their name. Common pronouns are he/him, she/her, and they/them. Some people might use different pronouns that match their gender identity. It’s important to respect and use the pronouns that people tell us they prefer, as this shows kindness and understanding.
Safe Space and Inclusivity
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This includes respecting pronouns, avoiding stereotypes, and challenging discrimination. We want everyone to feel comfortable and supported at school.
Bullying is not Ok
Bullying and harassment have no place in our school. If you experience or witness bullying, please report it to a trusted adult. We will work together to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Wellbeing and Support
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is important. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust, practice self-care, and seek support when you need it. We’re here to help you through your journey.
Coming Out
If you decide to come out to others about your LGBTQ+ identity, remember to choose the right time and place, be honest and clear, and be prepared for different reactions. Our school community is here to support you in this brave step.
Together, we can create a school community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Our school is committed to providing pastoral support for all students, including LGBTQ+ students and those questioning their identity. Remember, you’re never alone, and we’re here to help.
Support in Primary Phase Support in Secondary Phase
FURTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
- Switchboard LGBT+ helpline provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
- Stonewall have information, resources and campaigns for the LGBT community and beyond.
- Mind Out is run by mind, it is an online one on one support for LGBTQI+ people who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
- Student Pride run annual, national events for LGBTQ+ students across the country with fantastic guest speakers and panel discussions.
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The Proud Trust provide support to young people aged 14-25 who are LGBT across the North West through youth groups and 1-2-1 support, and have a number of free online guides, as well as research.
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GYRO are award winning LGBTQ+ youth groups for children & young people aged 11-25 years, who may be exploring sexuality and/or gender identity. GYRO has existed in some form since 1976 making it one of the oldest LGBTQ+ youth provisions in the country (as far as we can see)!
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The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for all schools and youth-centred organisations. The award focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility.
The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole School approach to LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobic bullying.
Committing Liverpool College to the Rainbow Flag Award is a commitment to improve the lives of all the young people that we work with, as well as the LGBT+ young people in our care, those from LGBT+ families, and LGBT+ staff members.
Through a year-long process of self-assessment, ongoing monitoring and feedback, we at Liverpool College have access to a variety of resources and interventions, helping us meet the standards in each of the Rainbow Flag Award areas:
Click here to find out more about The Rainbow Flag Award
Support for our LGBTQ+ Pupils and Students
We understand that every pupil or student’s journey is unique, and we want to provide the help and support you needs as an LGBTQ+ student or someone questioning their identity. Our school is here to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Click here to find more information about support in school as well as further resources from other organisations.
Curriculum Links
Click here to read more about LGBTQ+ curriculum at Liverpool College.
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The College’s motto Non solum ingenii verum etiam virtutis - not only the intellect, also character, reflects its long-standing commitment to the holistic education of the human person in all aspects: intellectual, moral, physical, emotional, spiritual and creative. We are determined to make the College a school which transforms the lives of its pupils by providing all pupils with an educational experience which prepares them for a happy, fulfilled and joyful life.
The College wishes to pursue the development of a curriculum which will challenge and enable all pupils to pursue their growth in character and well-being. In 2021-22, we piloted a broad, unique and clearly articulated personal development programme in Chapters 1, 4, 7 and 8. This programme focused on relationships, service, activity, music, games and fitness and premised on the strengthening of the quality of the relationships between pupils and between pupils and staff, something which we felt very much committed to as a school particularly in the aftermath of Covid 19. This curriculum was developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust. The original programme and all the activities that make it up are underpinned by the values of:
- healthy minds, healthy bodies
- aspiration
- resilience
- competition
- inclusive of all abilities
- challenging for all abilities
- recognised success for all
After a year’s pilot this programme was expanded into every chapter, each having its own sequenced, age appropriate curriculum. Pupil and staff voice was sought to evaluate the pilot programme and adjustments were made as a result. For example, the PSHE element was broken into smaller but more frequent sessions to assist with retention and recall of these important topics. The strands were also relaunched as the seven LC+ strands, part of the LCA+ Liverpool College Curriculum.
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