Schoolchildren have been learning about gender equality, showing respect and challenging gender stereotypes.

Congleton Town Council's White Ribbon ambassadors recently paid a visit to Castle Primary School.

White Ribbon engages men and boys, in particular, to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to men's violence against women.

Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in workshops hosted by ambassadors Jonathan Dakin and Mike Wesley, along with White Ribbon champion, councillor Kay Wesley.

Teacher Hannah Bours thanked the White Ribbon team, saying: "The children were so engaged.

"Their ideas and responses really showed a true determination to challenge the expectation and language of stereotyping.

"A great addition to our PSHE curriculum."

White Ribbon ambassador Mike Wesley (Credit: CTC)

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The focus of the workshop was on what is 'fair' and 'not fair' and Mr Wesley facilitated a quiz where the class shouted out whether certain things were unfair on girls, boys or 'everyone'. 

The youngsters were surprised to find that 85% of Hollywood film directors and 76% of computer games developers are men, leading to stories dominated by male characters, although girls enjoy movies and games as much as boys.

These and other influences can lead to perceptions about what girls and boys are supposed to be like, in other words, gender stereotypes.

Mr Dakin told the class: "Harmful gender stereotypes can prevent people from being themselves, doing the things they love and reaching their potential.

"We should all feel free to choose how we behave, dress and speak, what our hobbies are and what jobs we want to do."

Jonathan Dakin speaks to the class about negative stereotypes (Credit: CTC)

The session included a number of 'text messages' and things that friends might say, and asked the youngsters to write 'responses' to these that challenge assumptions and unconscious bias, for example about girls playing football or boys showing their emotions.

Mr Wesley said: "The students had great ideas for how to respond to negative stereotypes and support their friends with compassion and humour.

"It was really good to see how quickly they could think of positive responses."

The workshop ended with the whole class suggesting ideas and statements that could become part of the school's values, such as 'Just be who you want to be' and 'Follow your dreams'.