(2) what steps he is taking to ensure there are work packs for teachers for teaching about domestic violence.
One of the aims of the national curriculum is to promote equal opportunities and enable pupils to challenge discrimination and stereotyping.
The programmes of study for citizenship education, which is statutory for all 11-to 16-year-olds, require that children be taught about “human rights and responsibilities” and
“the opportunities for individuals to bring about social change”,
which can include discussing gender equality issues. They also require pupils be taught about the
“importance of resolving conflict fairly”
which can include issues around domestic violence. In addition, the non-statutory framework for personal social and health education (PSHE) says that pupils should be taught
“to deal with changing relationships in a positive way, showing goodwill to others and using strategies to resolve disagreements peacefully”
and
“to know about the statutory and voluntary organisations that support relationships in crisis”.
Content of the secondary curriculum is currently being reviewed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and will be published for public consultation shortly.
The DfES supports teaching resources including “Missdorothy.com”, a comprehensive learning programme for seven-to 16-year-olds delivered in the classroom and with links to the national curriculum, which tackles behaviour and personal safety issues including domestic violence.