At Durrington, anti-bullying remains a core priority, deeply connected to our values of kindness and pride. We understand that implementing effective anti-bullying strategies is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment. These strategies help prevent harmful behaviours, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth. As a school, we are committed to proactively addressing bullying, empowering students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Our proactive approach consists of several key elements, which include:
- Increased awareness and learning opportunities for students through assemblies, P1 lessons, SME sessions, and external speakers.
- Surveys conducted for staff, students, and parents to gather feedback on what is working well and where we can improve.
- A trusted member of staff activity with all students during P1.
- Collaboration with external agencies such as the Anti-Bullying Alliance, social workers, police, and social media companies.
- Training a specialised team of anti-bullying ambassadors, both staff and students, who have various roles throughout the year.
When incidents of bullying do occur, we have a range of reporting options available to ensure students can speak up and get the support they need. These options include:
- Telling a trusted adult within the school, such as a form tutor, class teacher, pastoral manager, or a member of the year/house leadership team.
- Speaking to a friend who can relay the message to an adult.
- Emailing ABC@durring.com, where a staff member will respond.
- Posting a note with your name in the post box outside the LRA.
- Speaking to a member of the senior student leadership team (grey blazers).
- Approaching an anti-bullying ambassador, who can be identified by their red badges.
We are also continuing to provide additional training for our student anti-bullying ambassadors. These sessions will focus on developing their leadership, communication, and role-modelling skills, helping them gain the confidence to support their peers daily.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Matas, Jasmine and Jaden
“I like representing the school in a role where you are nice and kind to others, but sometimes people aren’t like that, and that’s what I do, I stop rude stuff from happening, and I love that.” Jaden in year 9
“I love being an anti-bullying ambassador. Helping others in the school really helps me to feel good about what I am achieving.” Jasmine in year 8
“I am an anti-bullying ambassador and that means I can help others out. Our ambassador community is large and there are lots of people to talk to, plus we have a fortnightly meeting and training so anyone can take part.” Matas in year 8
“Being an anti-bullying ambassador is great as I can help people who may need it.” Olivia in year 10
One of our Anti-Bullying fortnightly training sessions
It is essential that we foster an environment where students who are being bullied, or those who know about bullying, feel safe to speak up. They need to know they will be listened to, believed, and that action will be taken with sensitivity to their concerns. Staff will always take allegations of bullying seriously and respond promptly and appropriately. Not sharing concerns makes it less likely that the bullying will stop, ultimately protecting the bully and putting others at risk.
In the coming months, we are excited to offer students the opportunity to become anti-bullying ambassadors. As mentioned, we already have a strong team, but we are looking to expand it further. If you would like to get involved, please pay attention during upcoming assemblies and reach out to Mr. Poole with any questions.
I am really proud of the work we have done as a school to increase the profile of anti-bullying and how we deal with incidents when they occur. We will continue to develop our work around Anti-Bullying to ensure that Durrington High School is a safe and happy place for all of our students to thrive.
Mr Poole
Anti-Bullying Lead
