PUPILS at schools in Rugby have taken a stand against bullying.
Harris C of E Academy students took part in a series of activities to spread awareness during Anti-Bullying Week.
Throughout the week, the school’s Anti-Bullying Ambassador group – comprising 30 students from Year 7 to Year 11 – led a series of activities, discussions, and reflections designed to foster kindness, empathy and respect.
Students visually expressed their commitment to the cause by striking a pose with various slogans in an Anti-Bullying Photo Booth, and wrote anti-bullying pledges and heartfelt thank-you notes which went on display in the school hall.
Year 8 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors led workshops for Year 7 students focusing on conflict resolution, prejudice and identity to help them identify and challenge bullying.
Students were also treated to a thought-provoking drama performance from Loudmouth Theatre which tackled the complexities of bullying.
And the whole school joined in with Odd Socks Day, an initiative which encouraged students and staff to wear odd socks to celebrate diversity and individuality.
Head Teacher Roberta Harrison said: “Anti-Bullying Week provides a platform for our entire school community to come together, raise awareness, and actively work towards eliminating bullying from our school culture.
“By doing so, we hope to instil lasting values that extend beyond the classroom, preparing our students to navigate the world with empathy, resilience, and a profound sense of responsibility towards one another.”
Children at Bilton C of E Junior school also joined in with Odd Socks Day, a National Antibullying Alliance Initiative, and the subject was covered in a school assembly.
The Alliance chose the theme of “Make A Noise About Bullying” for this year’s event, because often ‘we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed’.
Head of School Rebecca Ross said: “This has been a great opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and further promote kindness and empathy.
“It is great to see so many of our school community wearing odd socks to show that it’s okay to be different and to stand up against bullying and discrimination.
“In assembly we also covered the importance of understanding what ‘banter’ is and how banter can sometimes go too far and become hurtful.”
Pupil Evie from Year 3 said: “The assembly taught me the importance of ‘shouting out’ if I am worried about myself or someone else being bullied. We must stand up to bullying.”
