Introducing sensitive topics to the classroom – Supporting teachers across Wales

Teaching and learning can require teachers and learners to engage with sensitive issues. To support practitioners delivering our Made-for-Wales qualifications, we have developed a new guidance document on delivering sensitive topics in the classroom. 

Commenting on the guidance, Delyth Jones, Assistant Director, Qualification Development: “We recognise that these discussions can sometimes be challenging to navigate, which is why we have developed this guidance to support practitioners in creating safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments. By providing practical considerations and advice, we hope to give teachers greater confidence when engaging learners with sensitive topics, wherever they arise within our qualifications."

As our qualifications have been designed to support the Curriculum for Wales, learners are likely to encounter sensitive topics as part of their learning journey. Engaging with these topics can help learners better understand the world around them and make progress towards achieving the four purposes of the curriculum. 

In some qualifications, sensitive content forms part of the specified subject content. In others, sensitive topics may arise naturally through classroom discussion and exploration, even where they are not explicitly referenced within the qualification. 

Key features of the guidance

This guidance is not subject-specific, instead, it: 

• outlines key considerations for practitioners when supporting learners to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to sensitive topics in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment 

We encourage all teachers use the guidance alongside qualification-specific Guidance for Teaching, as well as relevant legislation, national guidance and centre policies. 

Supporting guidance to support all centres 

The guidance is intended for practitioners delivering our qualifications across Wales, including maintained schools, further education colleges and other learning providers. We also encourage senior leaders, including heads of department and senior leadership teams, to familiarise themselves with the guidance as part of wider curriculum planning and learner support.

Download the guidance today

We are committed to supporting practitioners with the resources they need to deliver meaningful learning experiences and navigate sensitive topics with confidence. You can access our guidance via the following link.