Wallasey students promote anti-bullying at school

Students at St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, have come together to promote equality, diversity, inclusion and kindness within the school.

The ‘Anti-bullying Ambassadors’ are made up of 12 students from Years 9, 11, 12 and 13.

The group was originally set up in 2021 as part of the school’s #BEKIND campaign and has continued to develop.

Nine of the ambassadors attended a training event in the summer term with ‘The Diana Award’.

Here, they were trained in defining, identifying, and overcoming bullying issues, and working on ways to change attitudes and behaviours back at school.

Following the training, the ambassadors have created a strategic plan to promote anti-bullying.

Earlier this term, the 12 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors led a whole staff training session to raise awareness of their action plan.

The plan includes activities such as setting up an online system for students to report bullying to the ambassadors. 

The ambassadors will then support the student and inform staff, holding parent/carer information evenings to educate on how to spot bullying, and working with local primary schools to discuss with the children about the impact of bullying and the importance of standing up against it.

‘The Open Door’ space at school has also been created for students who are having friendship issues and can receive support from the ambassadors. ‘Feel Good Fridays’ have also been implemented, where wellbeing will be promoted throughout the day.

The first Feel-Good Friday took place last Friday (18 November), at the end of Anti-Bullying Week, and included:

– Mindfulness

– Craft activities in the library

– Live music in the canteen

– Zumba sessions in the yard and dance studio

– A keyring Photo Booth

– A cinema experience in the school’s theatre

Through these plans and their ongoing work to prevent bullying, the ambassadors are hoping to achieve more accolades, awarded by The Diana Award, such as the Community Action Award, Respect Award and Wellbeing Award.

Leading the initiative alongside the students is head of Year 7, Mrs Charlotte Willis.

She said: “It is a pleasure working with our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. They are incredibly passionate about the initiative and are keen to make a real difference in school.” 

Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, said: “The decision to continue the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors team after the ‘#BEKIND!’ campaign was a fantastic one. 

“The ambassadors have been working hard to promote anti-bullying throughout the school in a range of ways.

“Students from all year groups are able to benefit from the activities and support services that are provided. We are incredibly proud of the team for the work that they do and are looking forward to seeing the plans that this year’s members have created being executed.”