SCOTTISH Ballet has pulled a pilot project that tackles topics like transphobia from two primary schools in Glasgow after being asked to censor some of the content.
The innovative programme, which uses dance to explore themes of identity and tolerance, was to be trialled at nine primary schools across Glasgow and Perth but after “extensive” preparatory work, Scottish Ballet was asked by the two schools to remove content relating to LGBTQ identities.
Rather than do so, the company decided to withdraw from both schools although the work continued at the seven other primaries.
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The programme, called Safe to Be Me is intended to be rolled out across Scotland from next August.
Delivered in line with the key Scottish Government targets to address these areas, the project is intended to engage with Primary 6 pupils to explore themes that include identity, tolerance, acceptance, respect, ethnic and family diversity and LGBTQ communities.
The pilot began in February with pupils initially introduced to the themes by a Scottish Ballet team in a build-up to a performance, choreographed by the company’s engagement creative director, Lorraine Jamieson.
Working with Scotland’s most experienced dance and music practitioners, the pupils were then supposed to take part in a full-day workshop where they would have the chance to create their own Safe to Be Me performance intended to encourage them to be comfortable with who they are.
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However, after “successful” introductory sessions in all schools, when it came to delivering the workshops in the two schools in Glasgow the project team “encountered reluctance from some staff members to engage with LGBTQ identities, and were asked to remove this content”.
A spokesperson said that due to the inclusive aims of the programme, Scottish Ballet decided to withdraw from the schools rather than “compromise” on the core project values.
The workshops went ahead in the seven other schools and Scottish Ballet said the feedback had been “extremely positive, with children describing the new language and ideas they have learned, and teachers commenting on the appropriateness of the content, the openness of the conversations and their lasting impact”.
One pupil said: “We learned about how nobody is the same and it’s okay to be different.”
Scottish Ballet told the National that the company was hopeful the problem could be resolved.
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A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland is on its way to becoming the first country in the world to have LGBT inclusive education embedded in the curriculum. Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential and it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.
“The curriculum in Scotland is non-statutory and decisions about which topics are included in the curriculum is a matter for schools and local authorities to decide.”
A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “Our schools are committed to inclusive education within the curriculum, nurturing respect and understanding for everyone.
“A senior council education official chaired the Scottish Government LGBT inclusive education group and these recommendations are now being taken forward... this national work will shape how this area will continue to be embedded in schools to complement and enhance lessons.”
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