Lesson video

Hello, I'm Miss Kumar, and I'm so pleased that you've chosen to learn with me today.

Today's lesson is called, "The Equality Act," and it's taken from our unit, "Communities: How are we all different?" I would really recommend that you do this lesson with a trusted adult as there might be some parts of the lesson that you find tricky to understand or maybe a little bit worrying.

If, at any point, you do feel worried or upset, please pause the video and speak to your trusted adult.

The outcome for today's lesson is, "I can explain what the Equality Act is, and how it protects people from discrimination." Before we begin any learning, let's remind ourselves of some important ground rules.

Laura reminds us to listen to others.

It's really important that we have our best listening ears on, and that we don't interrupt each other when we speak.

Andeep reminds us to respect privacy.

It is okay for us to share our experiences and stories, but let's not use any details that might give away who we're talking about.

Jacob reminds us, "No judgment." This should be a safe space for us to talk.

We mustn't laugh or make anyone feel silly for the things that they say.

And Izzy reminds us, "Choose your level of participation." If you don't want to answer a question or take part in a discussion, that's absolutely fine.

No one should be made to feel "put on the spot." Throughout today's lesson, you might notice that there are some words in bold, black font.

These are keywords.

Let's take a quick look at today's keywords and what they mean.

Discrimination.

Discrimination is treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics.

Equality Act of 2010.

This is the law that protects people in Britain from discrimination.

And characteristic.

A characteristic is an important trait or feature of a person.

Today's lesson is split into two parts.

Let's start with part one.

What is discrimination? Each one of us is different and unique, and that's what makes us special.

Ms. Walsh explains, "There are lots of things that make each one of us who we are.

Some differences might be obvious, that means easy to spot, like our physical appearance.

Other differences might include our skills and talents, or our family life and culture.

For example, some people have blonde hair while others have black hair.

Some people are taller, some are shorter.

Some families celebrate different holidays or speak different languages at home." Let's have a look at some examples together.

Andeep says, "Even though we are quite different, Izzy is one of my best friends.

Firstly, she's a girl, whereas I'm a boy.

Secondly, she and I have different colored skin." Izzy adds, "We are also different in our skills and talents.

Andeep is really good at English, whereas I'm better at maths.

This is good though because we can help each other." Sofia says, "Although we have different needs, Jun is one of my best friends.

I need to sit near the front of the class because of my hearing impairment, but Jun doesn't." On the other hand, Jun says the following, "I need to have movement breaks during lessons, but Sofia doesn't.

This helps me to learn better in class." Aisha explains, "Alex and I have been friends since we were little.

Over time, we've learned that our families are very different.

My family is very small, whereas Alex's family is quite large." Alex adds, "Our families also have different cultures and beliefs.

My family celebrates Christmas, but Aisha's family celebrates Eid instead." Time for our first check for understanding.

Complete the missing words in the sentence.

"Each one of us is blank and unique, but that's what makes us blank." Pause to have a quick think, and then press play when you're ready to move on.

The answers are "different" and "special." Each one of us is "different" and unique, but that's what makes us "special." Sadly, some people are treated unfairly because of their differences.

Ms. Walsh explains, "When someone experiences unkind or unfair behavior because of their differences, we call this discrimination.

Discriminating against someone can make them feel sad, lonely, or rejected." Discrimination might be direct or indirect.

Ms. Walsh tells us, "Direct discrimination is when someone is unfair or unkind directly to a person.

Indirect discrimination is harder to spot.

It's usually when something looks like it's fair for everyone, but it actually isn't." To help us understand the difference between direct and indirect discrimination, let's have a look at some examples.

We'll start with direct discrimination.

Andeep says, "At playtime yesterday, I wanted to join in with some of the children in my class who were cheerleading, but they said I couldn't because I was a boy." Sofia says, "I wanted to work with a group of people in my class for our art project, but they said I couldn't because of my hearing impairment." In these situations, both of the children, Andeep and Sofia, have been directly treated unfairly because of their characteristics.

That means the unfair treatment has been face-to-face and it's intentional or on purpose.

This is direct discrimination.

Now let's look at indirect discrimination.

Jun says, "Last week, our class had to stay in to tidy after an art lesson.

We went out to play later than usual so I didn't get much of a movement break." Now, you might remember earlier in the lesson, Jun explained that he needs to have movement breaks to help him learn better in class.

In this situation, the teacher has not intentionally or on purpose, tried to treat Jun unfairly.

They haven't deliberately stopped him having a break.

However, they've kept the whole class in, and that decision has resulted in Jun not getting what he needs.

So this is an example of indirect discrimination.

Aisha says, "We had crazy hair day at school to raise money for charity.

I couldn't take part as I wear a hijab as a part of my culture." Again, in this situation, the school has not treated Aisha unfairly on purpose or face-to-face, however, they've organized an event, and by organizing that event, they've unintentionally made Aisha feel that she's being treated unfairly because she cannot take part.

This is an example of indirect discrimination.

Unkind or unfair behavior towards someone because of their differences is called, A, detention, B, delegation, or C, discrimination? You can pause to do this task and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is C.

If you experience discrimination or see someone else being discriminated against, it's important to tell someone who can help.

You should tell a trusted adult.

This could be a parent, carer, teacher or any other member staff in school.

You should explain what happened.

Describe what you saw taking place or what you experienced.

You should also remember it's not your fault.

If someone discriminates against you, it's wrong, and it's not because of anything that you did.

Speaking up helps to stop discrimination and it protects you and others.

Trusted adults are there to help and to keep everyone safe.

Time for another check for understanding.

Number one, name three trusted adults you could speak to if you experienced discrimination.

And number two, explain why it is important to tell a trusted adult rather than keeping it to yourself.

You can pause to think about these questions, and then just press play when you're ready to see some answers.

You might have said the following.

Number one, "You could speak to a parent, carer, class teacher, lunchtime assistant, or teaching assistant." And for number two, "It's important to tell a trusted adult because the trusted adult can help stop the discrimination, keep us safe, and make sure it doesn't happen again." That brings us to the first task for today's lesson, Task A.

With your partner, answer the following questions.

Number one, "What sorts of differences might people have?" Number two, "What is discrimination?" Try to include direct and indirect in your answer.

And number three, "How might discrimination make someone feel?" You can pause to have your discussion, and when you're ready to see some possible answers, just press play.

Let's have a look at some answers together.

Your answers might include the following.

For number one, "What sorts of differences might people have?" There are lots of things that make each one of us who we are.

Some differences might be obvious, like our physical appearance.

Other differences might include our skills and talents, or our family life and culture.

Number two, "What is discrimination?" Discrimination is unkind or unfair behavior towards someone because of their differences.

Direct discrimination is when someone is unfair or unkind to a person directly.

For example, not including them in a game because of an impairment.

Indirect discrimination is when something looks like it's fair for everyone, but it isn't.

For instance, a charity event that not everyone can join in with.

And number three, "How might discrimination make someone feel?" Discrimination can make a person feel sad, lonely, or rejected.

Well done if your answers were along these lines.

That brings us to the second part of today's lesson, what is the Equality Act of 2010? The Equality Act of 2010 was introduced to protect everyone from discrimination.

Ms. Walsh explains, "Before the Equality Act of 2010, there were lots of other laws against discrimination, which could get a little confusing.

The Equality Act of 2010, combined all of these into one easy-to-remember law." People often think that the Equality Act is about treating people the same.

This is incorrect.

Ms. Welsh explains, "The act isn't about treating people the same but giving everyone what they need so that they have the same opportunities as other people." Jun explains, "When I get movement breaks, it helps me to learn just as well as my classmates.

We all get what we need to succeed." And Sofia says, "By seating me at the front of the class, the teacher gives me the same opportunity to learn as my friends." The Equality Act protects us from discrimination against any of the nine protected characteristics.

The protected characteristics include, age, pregnancy and maternity, and sex.

Remember, these are just three of nine protected characteristics.

True or false? The Equality Act of 2010 is about treating everyone exactly the same.

Pause to have a think, press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is false.

But can you remember why? The Equality Act isn't about treating people the same but giving everyone what they need so that they have the same opportunities as other people.

Let's now take a look at examples of discrimination which are protected against under the Equality Act of 2010.

This person says, "I applied for a job but didn't get it because the company thought I was too old to do the role." This person is being treated unfairly because of their age, which is a protected characteristic.

This is discrimination and actually, it is against the law.

This person says, "I went to a restaurant recently but I was unable to use the toilet as my wheelchair couldn't fit through the doorway." This person is being treated unfairly because of their disability, which is another of the protected characteristics.

This is discrimination and it is against the law.

In our final example, this person says, "Someone at work made unkind jokes about my religion and my boss didn't do anything." This person is being treated unfairly because of their religion, which is a protected characteristic.

This is discrimination and it is against the law.

Which protected characteristic is being discriminated against in this example? This person says, "I applied for a nursing job but was turned down because they said they preferred a female for the role." You can pause to think about this question and then just press play when you're ready to see the answer.

Let's take a look at the answer together.

"This person is being treated unfairly because of their sex, which is a protected characteristic.

This is discrimination and it is against the law." Our differences should be celebrated, not feared.

Our differences make our school and community more interesting.

We can learn new things, share different ideas, and experience various traditions and cultures.

So how can we celebrate our differences? By being respectfully curious and empathetic.

That means understanding other people's feelings.

This means asking polite questions, listening carefully, and showing genuine, that means a real interest in each other.

When we do this, everyone feels valued and included.

Which statement is true? A, differences should be feared, B, differences should be celebrated, or C, people with differences can't be friends? You can pause to have a think, and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is B, differences should be celebrated.

So how can we be respectfully curious? Well, we can ask polite open questions.

Questions like, "Can you tell me about this?" Or, "That's interesting.

Could you explain?" Keep questions respectful.

Things like, "I've never tried that food before.

What does it taste like?" Or, "Can you teach me how to say hello in your language?" Listen carefully.

When someone shares about themselves, pay attention and show them that you are interested.

Be patient.

It's important to give people time to answer and don't interrupt.

And finally, respect boundaries.

If someone doesn't want to answer a question, that's okay.

You could say, "That's fine.

Thank you anyway." Likewise, there are things to avoid.

Don't point or stare at someone's differences.

Don't make jokes about someone's characteristics.

Don't ask questions in a way that makes someone feel uncomfortable or different in a negative way.

And don't ask very personal questions about someone unless they've shown that they're comfortable talking about it or you know them well.

Remember, the aim is to learn and celebrate differences, not to make someone feel uncomfortable or othered.

If you are unsure whether a question is appropriate, you can always ask, "Would you be to tell me about this?" That then gives them the choice.

Let's have a look at some examples.

Sofia says, "When we first met, Jun asked me politely if I'd mind talking about my cochlear implant.

I was happy to explain it to him.

Once he learned about my hearing impairment, he made sure to face me when he was talking and helped me feel welcome in class." June says, "Just because people are different, it doesn't mean that they can't be friends.

Sofia is one of my best friends, and she's taught me so much like sign language." Aisha says, "Alex's family is different to mine as it's a lot bigger, but I love going over to play.

It's a lot noisier than my house, but I always have so much fun." Alex responds with, "When I go to Aisha's house, I enjoy learning about her family's culture and tradition, especially trying out new foods that they sometimes eat." Which of these is a respectfully curious question? A, Why do you look so different from other people in the class? B, I'd love to learn more about your headscarf, if you're happy to share.

Or C, Oh, that's so weird and different, why do you do that?" You can pause to have a quick think, and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is B, "I'd love to learn more about your headscarf, if you're happy to share," is an example of being respectfully curious.

That brings us to the second and final task for today's lesson, Task B.

Complete the paragraph with the missing words.

The words that you can choose from are shown at the bottom of the slide.

They are, ten, characteristics, listen, celebrated, discrimination, nine, need, learn, curious, and unkind.

And the paragraph says the following.

"The Equality Act of 2010 was introduced to protect everyone from blank against any of the blank protected blank.

It is about giving everyone what they blank so that they have the same opportunities as others.

Our differences should be blank, not feared.

Being respectfully blank and empathetic towards each other can help us to blank more about our differences and celebrate them instead." You can pause the video to do this task, and when you're ready see the answers, just press play.

Let's see how you got on.

The missing words were discrimination, nine, characteristics, need, celebrated, curious, and learn.

So the words unkind, listen, and ten did not fit in the paragraph.

Your completed paragraph should say the following.

"The Equality Act of 2010 was introduced to protect everyone from discrimination against any of the 'nine' protected 'characteristics.

' It is about giving everyone what they 'need' so that they have the same opportunities as others.

Our differences should be 'celebrated,' not feared.

Being respectfully 'curious' and empathetic towards each other can help us to 'learn' more about our differences and celebrate them instead." Well done if you've got most or all of those correct.

That brings us to the end of today's lesson.

Before we finish, let's take a quick look at today's lesson summary.

Each one of us is different and unique.

That's what makes us special.

Differences might include our physical appearance, skills and talents, or our family life and culture.

Discrimination is when someone experiences unkind or unfair behavior because of their differences.

The Equality Act protects people from discrimination against any of the nine protected characteristics.

It makes sure that everyone is given what they need so that they have the same opportunities as other people.

Being curious and empathetic towards each other can help us to learn more about our differences and celebrate them instead.

Well done on all your hard work this lesson.

I hope that you now have a better understanding of the Equality Act.

If you need any support following on from today's lesson, you can look at these websites.

The NHS website.

Here, you can get NHS advice about health and prevention, including how to access services.

And Childline.

This is a website and phone line which is able to offer confidential advice and support.