NATIONAL ANTI BULLYING AWARD ARRIVES AT ERASMUS DARWIN ACADEMY
Over 35 students, represented from all year groups received their induction as ‘Anti Bullying Ambassadors’ in February. The Academy was delighted to enrol in this national initiative, funded by the Diana Award, as it seeks to promote its anti-bullying message.
Interest was very high in applying for the role and, after application forms and interviews were completed, students embarked on the programme. Paul Hanmore, of the Diana Award, conducted the training and commented that “the group of students really impressed me, a really well put together team that will no doubt do you proud in their new role”.
A Yr 10 Student, commented that it was useful “finding out different ways to tackle bullying”. Some students received recognition for their participation on the day, with a Yr 7 student, Yr 9 student and Yr 12 student being dubbed Anti Bullying Ambassadors of the Day. A student described the day as ‘very informative’ and commented that the training was ‘amazing’. A student felt it was re-assuring to know that he had the skills to help end bullying as a result of being on the programme, and a student believed that it was ‘great to work with other year groups and for younger students to feel supported’.
David Shipman, Assistant Principal, commented that the day was highly productive and was thrilled when he too was presented with the coveted Anti Bullying Ambassadors badge at the end of the training.
Some of our Year 10 and Sixth Form students went on to present their ideas to our Parent Focus group that evening, with confidence and ambition to see parents actively involved in our aims to promote anti bullying at all levels. One Parent stated that “ with the Ambassadors in place hopefully EDA will become an even more enjoyable and safer place for our children to learn. This can only be a positive step forward and I thank ALL the Ambassadors for volunteering to be part of this scheme.”