The Equal Classroom

The Equal Classroom shines a timely light on current behaviour and attitudes about gender - gender identities, gender roles, gender expectations. It is a thought-provoking text on the role of schools in exposing the limitations imposed by existing gender stereotypes, offering an intriguing and accessible mix of personal narrative, of statistics for the curious, of exercises for the diligent and of expert opinion for the help-seekers. With musings from teachers working on the front line, from academic researchers and education specialists, there are clear and practical recommendations on how to shine a challenging light on gendered practices and, importantly, how to change them. - Gina Rippon, Professor Emeritus of Cognitive NeuroImaging, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, and author of The Gendered Brain The subtitle, 'Life-changing thinking about gender', undersells the scope of the book. This is not just about gender but about so much more... Rycroft-Smith strengthens her points with quantitative and qualitative research throughout to great effect, without ever presenting dry academic text. - Claire Nicholls, Schools Week This is a challenging book which, while geared to a school audience, covers many relevant aspects of the issue such as identities, expectations, media and toys. Humour and anecdotes are mixed with insights into biological and cultural perspectives and societal norms. - Nursery World