Gender Biases wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 10 to 13 that helps Australian teachers introduce gender stereotypes and challenge societal gender biases through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn to recognise common gender stereotypes, understand how they can shape attitudes and opportunities, and practise respectful ways to respond to biased assumptions. The lesson gives teachers a calm, structured way to open up discussion about gender, fairness and respect without needing extensive preparation.
Diversity, Equality & Society
Snapshot
Gender Biases
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce gender bias and guide respectful discussion about stereotypes and fairness. Feedback: 4.3/5 from 129 teacher ratings
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Recognising and challenging societal gender stereotypes
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise common gender stereotypes in school, media and community contexts
identify assumptions based on gender around roles, behaviour, appearance or interests
recognise how gender bias can shape opportunities or choices for individuals
Understand
understand how gender stereotypes develop through culture, media and social expectations
understand why fair and respectful treatment should not depend on gender
Practise
practise respectful language when discussing gender stereotypes and assumptions
practise responding safely and respectfully when gender bias appears in discussion or behaviour
practise applying empathy and perspective taking when considering other people's experiences
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for senior secondary students in Years 10 to 13 who are developing the maturity to discuss stereotypes, identity and fairness in more depth.
It is suitable for:
secondary wellbeing lessons
PDHPE or Health programmes
pastoral care or advisory sessions
respectful relationships units
diversity, culture and inclusion focused learning
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing gender bias as a topic Use when students need shared language for recognising and discussing gender stereotypes.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing respect, fairness and inclusion as part of everyday classroom expectations.
Supporting inclusion and belonging Use when exploring how assumptions based on gender can affect who feels included or valued.
Reinforcing respectful communication Use when students are learning to discuss differing views on gender without judgement or personal targeting.
Practising safe responses Use when students are learning how to respond respectfully if they notice gender bias in conversations or behaviour.
Extending diversity and culture learning Use when connecting gender bias to broader learning about culture, identity and community.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students are regularly exposed to ideas about how people should behave, look or choose careers based on gender, whether through media, family expectations or peer culture. Learning to notice these patterns helps students make more informed, fair minded choices about themselves and others. Challenging gender stereotypes is not about blaming anyone for holding certain views. It is about helping students build the awareness and language to question assumptions and treat others fairly, regardless of gender. This lesson supports a more inclusive classroom culture by helping students understand that fairness and respect apply across all genders, and that everyone benefits when stereotypes are questioned rather than reinforced.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Social awareness Students notice when gender based assumptions shape attitudes or behaviour.
Empathy Students consider how gender stereotypes can affect other people's choices and feelings.
Critical thinking Students question where gender stereotypes come from and whether they are fair.
Respectful communication Students practise discussing gender and stereotypes without judgement or personal targeting.
Cultural awareness Students explore how culture and community can shape ideas about gender.
Belonging Students reinforce that inclusion and respect should not depend on gender.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind students to use general examples and scenarios rather than naming classmates or describing personal experiences
Frame discussion around ideas and patterns, not individual students or their families
Make clear that the lesson is about building awareness and respectful language, not debating personal beliefs
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
During delivery
Use everyday examples, such as assumptions about jobs, hobbies or behaviour, to keep discussion grounded and practical
Give students opportunities to share views through discussion or small group talk
Reinforce that students are not expected to speak on behalf of any group or identity
Keep the tone calm and non judgemental, even where students hold different views
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce privacy and remind students not to share other people's stories
Encourage respectful disagreement rather than personal criticism
Redirect any comments that target individuals back to general scenarios
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for classes that are less confident speaking in front of the whole group
Use written or reflective tasks for students who prefer to process ideas individually
Extend discussion into broader diversity and culture learning for classes ready to go further
