Developed with the support of academics from the University of York and funding from the European Research Council (learn what makes our lesson plans different), these lessons are underpinned by academic research into online safety, social learning, attitude change and prejudice reduction — and recent work investigating how the manosphere is affecting children and teachers’ experiences in schools.
The materials fully align with new statutory RSHE guidance in force from September (which places much stronger emphasis on misogyny) and form part of our support package to get schools ready.
And to accompany the lessons, we’ve also released a new episode of our PSHE Talks podcast featuring Dr Harriet Over from the University of York, and a new dedicated on-demand training course (available exclusively to School Plus members).
The lessons include practical, evidence-informed approaches to help students think critically, question harmful ideas, and create more respectful communities.
At each key stage, students learn about the impact of misogyny, why misogynistic ideas are inaccurate, and ways to safely challenge and limit the spread of misogynistic misconceptions, beliefs and attitudes.
The lesson pack includes:
Learning objective |
Programme of Study |
DfE statutory guidance |
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Key stage 3 Lesson 1 To learn about the harm misogynistic beliefs and attitudes can cause to women and girls, and to men and boys, and why these beliefs are inaccurate. Lesson 2 To learn how misogynistic ideas can spread, and how to respond to and report misogynistic content. |
Inclusion, bullying and discrimination
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Respectful relationships 9: How stereotypes, in particular stereotypes based on sex, gender reassignment, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability, can cause damage (e.g. how they might normalise non-consensual behaviour or encourage prejudice). Pupils should be equipped to recognise misogyny and other forms of prejudice. 12: Pupils should have an opportunity to discuss how some sub-cultures might influence our understanding of sexual ethics, including the sexual norms endorsed by so-called “involuntary celibates” (incels) or online influencers.
Online safety and awareness 8: That the internet contains inappropriate and upsetting content, some of which is illegal, including unacceptable content that encourages misogyny, violence or use of weapons. Pupils should be taught where to go for advice and support about something they have seen online. Pupils should understand that online content can present a distorted picture of the world and normalise or glamorise behaviours which are unhealthy and wrong. |
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Key stage 4 Lesson 1 To learn about the harms caused to girls, women, boys and men by misogynistic beliefs and attitudes, why these ideas are inaccurate, and how they spread online. Lesson 2 To learn about misogyny in different contexts, and how to safely challenge and limit the spread of misogynistic beliefs and attitudes. |
Inclusion, bullying and discrimination
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