Anti-Bullying Week: Reach Out
This week we joined schools across the country in marking Anti-Bullying Week with the theme "Reach Out". The children have been learning about the importance of reaching out to someone they trust if they are worried about bullying, and reaching out to those who may be experiencing difficulties. Throughout the week, every class has engaged with age-appropriate activities designed to promote kindness, empathy and the courage to speak up.
Odd Socks Day Kicks Off the Week
On Monday, we kicked off the week with Odd Socks Day, celebrating what makes each of us unique. Children and staff alike arrived wearing their most mismatched, colourful and creative sock combinations. From stripy paired with spotty to rainbow next to neon, the variety was wonderful to see. The message behind Odd Socks Day is simple but powerful: it's okay to be different, and we should celebrate the things that make us who we are.
During Monday's assembly, Mrs Davies spoke to the children about what bullying actually means - repeated unkind behaviour that is intended to hurt someone. She emphasised the difference between bullying, falling out with friends, and one-off unkind moments, helping children to understand when they should seek help and how to resolve smaller conflicts themselves.
Circle Time Discussions
Classes have been taking part in meaningful circle time discussions throughout the week. In Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, children used puppets and story books to explore scenarios about friendship and kindness. They practised phrases like "Stop, I don't like it" and discussed who their trusted adults are - both at school and at home.
Key Stage 2 discussions delved deeper into the different forms bullying can take, including verbal, physical, social and cyberbullying. Year 5 and 6 pupils had particularly mature conversations about the pressures of online communication and how messages can sometimes be misunderstood. They created class charters outlining their commitments to positive online behaviour.
Creative Responses to the Theme
The theme "Reach Out" inspired a wealth of creative work across the school. Year 1 and 2 children created colourful friendship posters showing hands reaching out to help others. These beautiful artworks now decorate our corridors, serving as daily reminders of our commitment to kindness.
Year 3 and 4 pupils wrote acrostic poems using the letters of "REACH OUT", with each line describing a way we can support one another. Some particularly moving examples included "Remember everyone deserves a friend" and "Open your heart to those who are hurting."
Our Year 5 and 6 pupils wrote thoughtful poems about standing together against bullying. Several children chose to share their poems in Friday's celebration assembly, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The maturity and empathy shown in their writing was truly impressive and demonstrated just how deeply they had engaged with the week's messages.
The Role of Bystanders
A key focus this year has been the role of bystanders - those who witness bullying but aren't directly involved. Research shows that bystander intervention is one of the most effective ways to stop bullying, and we've been teaching children safe ways they can help. This includes telling a trusted adult, supporting the person being bullied afterwards, and refusing to join in or share unkind content online.
Year 4 performed a series of short drama sketches showing different bystander responses, from doing nothing to actively helping. The discussions that followed helped children think critically about the impact of their choices and the power they have to make positive change.
Resources for Families
The Anti-Bullying Alliance provides excellent resources for parents who wish to continue these important conversations at home. Their website includes advice on talking to children about bullying, signs to look out for, and what to do if you're concerned your child may be involved in bullying - either as someone experiencing it or as someone displaying bullying behaviour.
We encourage families to talk with their children about what they have learned and how they can be good friends to others. Simple questions like "Who did you play with today?" and "Was everyone included?" can open up valuable conversations about friendship and kindness.
Our Ongoing Commitment
While Anti-Bullying Week provides a focused opportunity to explore these themes, our commitment to creating a safe, kind and inclusive school environment continues throughout the year. Our PSHE curriculum includes regular lessons on friendship, respect and conflict resolution. Our peer mediators are trained to help resolve minor disputes at playtime, and our open-door policy means children always have someone to talk to if they're worried.
If you have any concerns about bullying, please don't hesitate to speak with your child's class teacher or a member of the senior leadership team. Together, we can ensure that Wroxton remains a place where every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.