Shining a Light on Respect: Assemblies Tackle Sexism and Misogyny

Students across all year groups took part in an important series of assemblies this week as we focused on raising awareness of sexism and misogyny, and on strengthening the respectful, kind culture the school is committed to.

Led by Ms Hughes, Miss Joel and Mr Stephenson, the assemblies invited students to think deeply about how everyone deserves to feel at school: safe, respected and valued.

Ms Hughes opened each assembly by exploring what sexism and misogyny actually mean, explaining how these attitudes—whether subtle or obvious—affect both women and men in society.

She reminded students that sexism isn’t always loud or deliberate. Sometimes it appears as everyday assumptions about what boys and girls “should” do. Misogyny, she explained, is a more harmful expression of bias, rooted in negative attitudes or disrespect towards women and girls.

“These behaviours don’t appear out of nowhere,” she told students. “They grow from stereotypes, normalised language, and attitudes that we all have a responsibility to challenge.”

One of the most powerful moments in the assemblies came when Miss Joel shared real anonymised statements from staff describing misogynistic behaviour they had personally experienced in school.

The testimonies highlighted how disrespect, dismissive attitudes, or inappropriate comments can leave staff feeling undermined, unsafe, or devalued in their workplace.

Students listened intently as different staff voices were heard through the assembly:

One teacher described feeling ignored when giving instructions that male colleagues were instantly listened to. Another spoke about feeling intimidated by disrespectful language and behaviour.

Several described the emotional impact of knowing that harmful stereotypes and attitudes are still being repeated by young people today.

By sharing these experiences, we want to encourage students to reflect on how their actions—intentional or not—can shape the school environment for everyone.  We are aiming to build a better culture together.

Mr Stephenson followed by outlining what the school has already done, and continues to do, to address any sexism that could potentially still exist and we strive to ensure that Charters remains a place of civility, kindness and mutual respect.  He highlighted some of the following measures that have been put in place to help students understand :

• Year 10–12 workshops held earlier this term
• PDL sessions for Year 8 focused on harassment, online narratives, and gender-based discrimination
• Sixth Form sessions exploring consent, sexual safety and digital wellbeing
• The ongoing work of the Student Council, who have chosen this theme as a key focus
• Clear ways for students to report concerns, including speaking to tutors, Heads of Year or the safeguarding team, or using the worried@ email

Mr Stephenson share some statistics from a recent school survey adding “These assemblies aren’t just about identifying a problem,” They’re about strengthening a community where everyone feels empowered to speak up, act kindly and set a higher standard.”

Throughout the week, students were encouraged to think about how they personally contribute to the atmosphere at Charters. The assemblies emphasised simple but powerful actions—calling out disrespect, challenging biases, stepping up for others, and choosing kindness.

As the assemblies closed, students were returned to the central question that framed the entire week:

How do we all want to feel in school?

The takeaway was clear: every member of the Charters community has a role in creating a school where sexism and misogyny have no place—and where respect, compassion and civility guide our everyday interactions.