For the second year running, Anti-Bullying Week was a great success in Leicestershire. Many events were held across the county, with participation and enthusiasm from hundreds of students and teachers.
'Big Dave', former World's Strongest Man, pulled an LEA yellow bus at 3 High Schools across the county, watched by year 7 pupils and year 6 pupils from local primary schools.
Big Dave with students from South Charnwood High School
'Banged Out', Robert Higg's hard hitting anti-bullying play was performed by students from John Cleveland College at the Haymarket Theatre. Performances were twice daily (10.30/1.30) from Tuesday to Friday with a total of 9 schools and approx. 420 students attending. The cast worked very hard as I'm sure all those who attended will agree.
Two Student Conferences were held at the YMCA in Leicester, with a focus on 'bystander behaviour'. The Primary Conference was on Tuesday 22nd and the secondary was on Thursday 24th. Schools were invited to send 4 students along and the levels of attendance and participation were astounding. There were approx. 80 students at the Primary Conference and 95 at the Secondary Conference.
Members of the Leicester Riders Basketball Team and Big Dave
Members of the Leicester Riders Basketball Team and Big Dave attended to award each school with their anti-bullying poster (see below)and kindly posed for over 50 photographs, as well as signing hundreds of autographs! Thanks to all the students, staff and helpers at both Conferences!
Phil Harbour, from the Anti-Bullying Team has been busy over the past few weeks organising publicity events and photo shoots involving local students and Leicester sports teams. Leicester City FC's goal keeper Rab Douglas kindly showed his support for Anti-Bullying Week.
We have also had support from the Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester Tigers Rugby Team, and the Women's Rugby and Hockey Teams. These photographs have been made into two posters, which were presented to schools at the conferences during anti bullying week. Those schools who did not attend the conferences will receive theirs over the next few weeks.
S.T.O.P - Puppet show
Leicestershire puppet company 'Puppetry Madness' performed their groundbreaking new puppet show at Greenfield Primary School, Countesthorpe on Friday 25th November. The show is aimed at foundation and key stage 1 pupils and uses puppets to spread the message that bullying has no place inside or outside of our schools. The show was greatly received by the children who learned a valuable lesson about the consequences of bullying and what to do if they themselves are bullied.
Rab Douglas with students from Lutterworth Grammar School.
John Sadler, John Maunders and Phil Whitticase of Leicester County Cricket Club with students from Beauchamp College
School Activities
What did your school do to support Anti-Bullying Week?
We would love to hear what you or your school did during Anti-Bullying Week. Tell us what you think here or telephoning the Anti-Bullying Team on 0116 264 5100.
Cosby Primary School demonstrated their support by wrapping the whole school in a blue ribbon! De Lisle Catholic School in Loughborough sold blue ribbons to students to raise money and many schools supported 'Blue Friday' on Friday 25th November by wearing someting blue to recognise the day and mark the end of Anti-Bullying Week 2005.
Many thanks to all those who supported Anti-Bullying Week and here's hoping next year's will be even bigger and better!