The week beginning the 11th of November marked Anti-Bullying Week 2024, and this year, the theme was “Choose Respect”.
At Leigh Academy Dartford, we proudly supported Anti-Bullying Week, focusing on respect and kindness throughout our school community. The children engaged in a range of activities across the school to help promote respect and understanding. We began the week with Odd Socks Day, where many children came to school wearing odd socks to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality!
Our goal at Leigh Academy Dartford is for all children to feel safe and valued at school. By choosing respect in our words and actions, we can help create a supportive, inclusive environment. Take a look at some of the meaningful activities that took place this week:
Reception
In Reception, the children learned about what bullying is and how even unkind words can become a form of bullying over time. They watched a video about a young girl named Orla who experienced bullying and worked together to find ways she could handle it with respect and kindness.
Year 1
In Year 1, the children explored what it means to be a good friend. They also talked about the importance of speaking up and how to report bullying in school. Using two hoops, they categorised dierent scenarios as examples of bullying or respectful friendships.
Year 2
Year 2 discussed how sometimes people can be treated unfairly if they are ‘different.’ They watched the story of “The Ugly Duckling” and talked about how the duckling was mistreated for his appearance. To celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, the children created their own “Choose Respect Superhero” to show that respecting each other’s differences is powerful!
Year 3
In Year 3, the children explored dierent types of bullying, such as physical, verbal, and cyberbullying. They sorted bullying scenarios under these headings and talked about how they can choose respect by reporting any unkind behaviour they see.
Year 4
The Year 4 classes created their own chants and raps in small groups, focusing on stopping bullying and choosing respect for others, no matter what. This creative approach helped them understand that respect can be shown through confidence and positivity.
Year 5
Year 5 discussed the various forms of bullying, exploring both direct and indirect bullying. They discovered that:
- Direct bullying happens directly between individuals involved.
- Indirect bullying can involve spreading rumours or passing along insults.
Year 6
Year 6 focused on bullying as a group behaviour, examining different roles people might play in a bullying situation, such as the ringleader or defender. They discussed why some people might choose bullying behaviours and brainstormed ways to encourage respectful behaviour instead.
Thank you to everyone who took part in Anti-Bullying Week this year. The children have shown incredible commitment to spreading the “Choose Respect” message!
Miss Bhaker
PSHE/RSHE Lead