This week, The Blue Coat School has been an active supporter of Anti-Bullying Week, as organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
This year, the aim of the ABA was to inform schools and settings, children and young people, parents and carers that a collective responsibility is needed to stop bullying. The ABA hoped to create empowering, positive messages addressing the fact that when it comes to bullying CHANGE STARTS WITH US!
Throughout the week, the children were encouraged to complete daily tasks with a view that small change leads to a big difference. Posters were displayed around the playground areas to remind the children of these tasks, Form Tutors, Class Teachers and House Heads discussed these daily with the children, while the Pre-Prep children wore stickers each day to keep them focused on task. The children also watched the Change Starts with Us video.
Monday – ‘I am kind’
Tuesday – ‘I shared a smile’
Wednesday – ‘I used kind words’
Thursday – ‘I think of others’
Friday – ‘I am a good friend’
On Tuesday, Chaplain led a fantastic Whole School Assembly on the theme of ‘Change starts with us’, and Mr Neeson also spoke of the importance of treating others how you would expect to be treated yourself. Many children came to this assembly suitably attired in support of ‘Odd Socks Day’ and the children enjoyed the staff fashion show which followed!
In Pre-Prep, the children’s kindness has been celebrated throughout the week by all of the staff. 1B worked really hard to learn their lines and perform their anti-bullying assembly in front of the rest of the key stage as well as Reception and Year 3. The main focus of their assembly was how important it is to be a good friend and show kindness towards others. They delivered the theme of anti-bullying week clearly: ‘Change starts here. Change starts now. Change starts with us.’ The assembly ended with a friendship song which was enjoyed by all. Well done 1B!
Throughout the week, there were also interesting discussions taking place in PSHE lessons in Prep, and it was very encouraging that the BCS Values were at the heart of such conversations. By focusing on being truthful, patient and kind, cheerfully persevering, and showing respect, Blue Coat pupils are constantly reminded of their role in ensuring our community remains one in which we can all thrive and be happy – Anti-Bullying Week has reminded us of our collective responsibility in achieving this.
Mr Newman and Miss Benjamin-Coker
