A chance for learning and reflection during Anti-Bullying Week.
Children and staff at Westbourne House School rocked the odd sock look to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week on 12 November. Special assemblies and events took place all week across the whole school to highlight the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s theme for the week 'Choose Respect', as well as how to think for oneself and a celebration of respectful behaviour and kindness.
The Pre-Prep, for ages two to seven, celebrated what makes each child unique, as well as discussing how all children need to feel valued and included. They also enjoyed singing the ‘Odd Socks’ song.
In the Prep School, Year 4 pupils planned an assembly exploring the difference between unkindness and bullying by role playing various scenarios. Dressed as superheroes, the Year 4 pupils saved the day by making the 'bullies' understand the negative repercussions of their behaviour and ended their assembly with the message: Choose to be Kind.
Year 7 and 8 students created and distributed kindness balloons to younger children in their patrol (house) to symbolise that kindness should always be in the air. When popped, pupils discovered a 'kindness challenge' on a piece of paper inside the balloon. Challenges - made up by the older children - included ‘Design a playground game for the Y3 pupils to play’, ‘Brighten up Mr Donald’s Day with a Jamaican breakdance’ and ‘make a thank you card for kitchen staff’.
Daisy Doherty, Troop Leader said “It was a lovely scene under the blue sky with huge numbers of juniors jumping up and down on a whole sea of brightly coloured balloons to get their kindness challenge.”
The leaders of each patrol kept tabs on which kindness challenges had been carried out and the Otter Patrol won the challenge with the most successfully accomplished tasks.
“Respect and kindness are important components in the school’s moral code - the Westbourne Way - and the Anti-Bullying Week is a fantastic opportunity to focus and remind our children that these principles are a key part of the way our school community interacts and thrives.”
Sam Pollock, Head of Pastoral Care
