North Monastery Co-educational Secondary are teaming up Belong To to achieve the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.
- From September 2022 onwards we will work on an initiative to support and raise awareness of LGBTQI+ issues in our school community and our wider community.
- LGBTQ+ Quality Mark designed to support and accredit LGBTQ+ Safe and Supportive Schools.
- In Ireland, 73% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that they do not feel safe at school. However, research shows that effective school-based interventions can improve the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ students.
The Process
1. Recognise
Recognise and promote existing supports for your LGBTQ+ school community. Together we will identify the key strengths in your existing approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Belong To will provide training and resources on how to do this including a user friendly toolkit which you can use to identify your strengths and areas for development.
2. Build & Grow
Build on these existing supports, and grow as an LGBTQ+ Safe and Supportive School through inclusive practice and policies. Once the areas for development have been identified, together we can create a bespoke plan with key action areas for your school. Belong to will provide best practice recommendations in line with the Department of Education and practical ideas, suggestions and templates to support you every step of the way.
3. Achieve
Celebrate your commitment by attaining the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.
Once your schools has demonstrated best practice across the key actions areas, you can apply for your LGBTQ+ Quality Mark and become recognised across Ireland as an LGBTQ+ Safe and Supportive School.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is a whole school approach which focuses on the four key areas of wellbeing promotion from an LGBTQ+ perspective:
- Creating an LGBTQ+ culture and environment
- Resourcing an LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum
- Nurturing LGBTQ+ inclusive relationships and partnerships
- Supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and planning
The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is a student-run club, which provides a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia.
The GSA in The North Mon is supported by the Students Council and Yellow Flag committee members and its main focus is acceptance and inclusion for all.
