Supporting Year 5s and 6s through the transition to secondary school
As children approach the critical transition from primary to secondary school, the challenges they face aren’t limited to exam results. This pivotal stage also involves navigating evolving social dynamics, self-identity, increased pressure to live up to gender stereotypes, and evolving relationships with the students around them. Our Redefining Strength & Building Inclusive Leaders workshop for Year 5s and 6s is specifically designed to support students during this time, offering them the tools they need to understand what inclusion looks like, challenge gender stereotypes, and grow into compassionate leaders.
Through engaging activities, open discussions, and drama-based learning, the workshop empowers young people to redefine traditional ideas of strength, address rigid gender roles, and embrace allyship. It’s a vital step in creating a school culture where everyone feels safe and supported to express their true selves.
The importance of starting early
Addressing topics like inclusivity, equality and healthy masculinity early in life is critical. By beginning these conversations in Year 5 and 6, children have the opportunity to question and unlearn stereotypes before they become deeply ingrained. From outdated ideas about emotional suppression rather than expression, to rigid definitions of what boys and girls “should” do, these stereotypes can limit self-expression, harm relationships and mental health, and perpetuate inequality.
By encouraging students to explore these issues in a safe, supportive environment, the workshop helps children develop the confidence to challenge gender stereotypes within their day-to-day lives and support their peers in their wellbeing. It’s never too early to start shaping inclusive leaders who value kindness, respect, and fairness.
As one Year 6 boy shared after our workshop with a school in Merton, he felt inspired to “make sure nobody is judging others and stick up for them if I know them.” Similarly, a Year 5 girl felt empowered to “play sports even if boys stare.” These reflections highlight how early intervention helps children to build the confidence to question societal norms and take meaningful actions when they enter their teens.
"[I felt inspired to] make sure nobody is judging others and stick up for them if I know them"
Workshop objectives: building understanding, confidence, and compassion
Our Redefining Strength & Building Inclusive Leaders workshop focuses on empowering young people - especially boys - to embrace inclusion, allyship, and compassion. Through drama and discussion, the 80-minute session is designed to avoid defensiveness or disengagement, making it accessible and engaging for all participants, no matter their gender.
Led by expert facilitators, the workshop helps students:
Recognise the harm of gender stereotypes Students learn how rigid gender roles can limit individual wellbeing, harm relationships, and negatively affect the wider school community. For example, the belief that boys must always be “tough” or that girls must prioritise appearance reinforces unhealthy pressures.
Redefine strength Strength isn’t just about physical ability or toughness - it includes kindness, bravery, and standing up for others. Students explore how these qualities are central to being a strong and supportive friend, classmate, and leader.
Develop inner strength Through practical examples explored through drama games and role-play, students learn to demonstrate inner strength in ways like supporting others, apologising when necessary, and standing up for fairness and inclusion.
Understand leadership and allyship Participants discover what it means to be a leader and an ally to those who face unfairness. They explore how their words and actions can support others, especially in challenging situations, and how to use their voices to create a positive impact.
Build confidence for inclusivity By the end of the session, students feel more confident in fostering respect and kindness in their schools and in their own futures. They leave with practical tools to create a more supportive and inclusive environment wherever they go.
Shifting perspectives: from stereotypes to empowerment
The impact of the workshop is evident in how it helps students rethink harmful stereotypes. One key aim is to challenge the notion that showing emotions, like crying, is a sign of weakness. Prior to the workshop taking place, students at a school we worked with were asked to reflect on the statement, “Crying shows that you’re not strong.”
15% agreed or strongly agreed.
11% neither agreed nor disagreed.
74% disagreed or strongly disagreed.
By the end of the session, those numbers shifted dramatically: 93% of students disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, demonstrating a newfound understanding of emotional strength. This shift reflects the power of early education in challenging stereotypes.
By normalising emotional expression, the workshop creates space for boys and girls to feel safe being themselves. One Year 6 boy left the workshop vowing to “stop thinking that girls wear makeup and paint their nails because boys can do that too,” while a Year 6 girl felt determined to “prove that girls can do things that seem ‘manly’ and that boys can do things that seem ‘girly.’”
These moments of learning illustrate how the workshop fosters self-awareness and inclusivity, equipping students to challenge stereotypes and advocate for fairness.
"[I feel determined to] prove that girls can do things that seem ‘manly’ and that boys can do things that seem ‘girly.’”
The facilitator mindset: fostering open and reflective discussions
A crucial part of Voicebox’s approach is the facilitator mindset, which prioritises guiding open, judgement-free conversations over prescribing what is “right” or “wrong.” This mindset encourages unpacking harmful or outdated comments with curiosity and empathy rather than shutting them down. Facilitators ask reflective questions such as:
Where does this idea come from?
What makes you believe this?
How do you think this might make other people feel?
This creates an opportunity for students to critically examine their thoughts and grow beyond limiting attitudes. By fostering understanding rather than judgment, this approach empowers students to internalise the workshop’s lessons and develop a more inclusive mindset.
Supporting the transition to secondary school
The transition to secondary school is a time of immense change, both socially and emotionally. Workshops like Redefining strength & building inclusive leaders are invaluable in preparing students for this next chapter. By fostering confidence, kindness, and respect, the workshop equips students with the skills to navigate new friendships, peer groups, and environments.
A Year 6 participant expressed their readiness to “stick up for others” and ensure fairness in their school community, showcasing how the workshop builds a sense of responsibility and agency.
These qualities are essential for creating a positive school culture where all students feel supported.
For girls, the workshop’s emphasis on challenging gender norms empowers them to embrace their passions and interests, even in the face of societal pressure. Boys, too, leave with a deeper understanding of healthy masculinity and the tools to become allies and leaders in their schools.
Fostering a culture of inclusion
Our Redefining Strength & Building Inclusive Leaders workshop is a foundational step in fostering a culture of inclusion that benefits everyone in the school community. By helping students recognise the value of empathy, kindness, and fairness, the workshop lays the groundwork for stronger, more inclusive schools.
As children grow into their teenage years and beyond, the lessons they learn in workshops like this one will continue to resonate. They’ll carry forward the understanding that strength is multifaceted, allyship is essential, and inclusion is non-negotiable.
Voicebox’s commitment to young people
At Voicebox, we believe in the power of young people to drive change. Through our workshops, we aim to empower children to question stereotypes, build empathy, and lead with compassion. Our Redefining Strength & Building Inclusive Leaders workshop is just one of the ways we’re supporting young people in becoming the best versions of themselves.
By starting these conversations early, we can help create a world where boys and girls feel equally valued, respected, and free to express themselves. It’s never too early to start building the foundation for a more inclusive future. After all, today’s Year 5s and 6s are tomorrow’s leaders - and they’re already showing us the strength and determination to make a difference.
Got any questions about the workshop? Book a free consultation with one of the team.
Ready to book? Fill out our booking form.
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