Having a continuous approach to eradicating unkind and bullying behaviour is a priority for the Farnley Academy. To support us with this, a range of tasks and activities have taken place across the whole school to further highlight the importance of being kind in our community.
We have utilised the resources provided by the Anti-bullying alliance to ensure we have embedded a whole school focus on this important topic. This year we have had a specific focus on ‘banter’ and what this term means:
“Too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter’.
Together, we can make a difference and take a stand against bullying.
Of course, we won’t like everyone, and we don’t always agree, but we can choose respect and unity.
This Anti-Bullying Week let’s come together to have discussions about what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying. “ – Anti-bullying Alliance.
Students have had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of bullying behaviours, signs and where to go for support in a range of subjects across the school.
Within PSHE students have had the opportunity to explore case studies linked to ‘banter’ and unkind behaviours to further understand the importance of being an upstander.
In English, students have explored the importance of speeches and have developed this skill further, linking to the theme of anti-bullying week. Students have heard real life experiences of ‘banter’ and bullying to inform their work.
We have sparked discussions in Science around standing up for what is right with the story of Rosalind Franklin, who was pushed out of her own discovery and denied a Nobel prize. We have been discussing the action that was taken to credit her with her discovery and how she remained resilient enough to continue a distinguished career.
We do hope the students found these sessions useful.
As always if students require any further support, they can speak to their Head of Year, Behaviour Manager, Inclusion Officer, or Form tutor. Alternatively, students can use the ‘Tell Us Button’ on the The Farnley Academy Website to report any unkind behaviour.