From 11th to 15th November 2024, Break Through School, part of Melrose Education, marked Anti-Bullying Week with a strong commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where bullying is not tolerated. The week was an opportunity for staff and learners to raise awareness about bullying, its impact, and the importance of empathy and kindness in creating a supportive school community.
While bullying lacks a strict legal definition, it is widely understood as behaviour that is repeated, intended to cause physical or emotional harm, and often targeted at specific groups based on characteristics like race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. It can manifest in various forms, including physical assault, teasing, threats, name-calling, and cyberbullying.
Throughout the week, the school focused on educating learners about these behaviours and emphasising the values of compassion and respect. Staff and learners wore odd socks as a symbol of individuality and acceptance, reinforcing the message that differences should be celebrated, not targeted.
Ruth Elliott, Principal of Break Through School, highlighted the importance of events like Anti-Bullying Week:
“At Break Through, we believe in creating an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and supported. Anti-Bullying Week allows us to spotlight the importance of empathy and kindness, empowering our learners to stand against bullying and promote inclusion. These are values that lie at the very heart of our school ethos.”
Break Through School remains dedicated to promoting positive behaviour, raising awareness, and providing a safe space where learners can thrive without fear of bullying.