In Chapel on Monday 4 November, members of the School Mentors team spoke about their plans for the forthcoming Anti-Bullying Week.

ADRIENNE S (YEAR 11): Next week (11–15 November) is Anti-Bullying Week, a time when the whole school community should be thinking about how we can build the most welcoming environment possible. However, for some of us, anti-bullying is something we think about all year round.

We are part of the School Mentors team. We, along with many others, have volunteered to take part in a programme where we give student input on school anti-bullying strategies, and we mentor younger pupils who may like some support with friendships and the social side of Queenswood. Sometimes you don’t want to discuss the full details of a situation with a teacher, and that is where we come in. We can be someone who just listens, who offers advice, or who helps you to speak to the teachers if needed. Between us, we have experienced many of the challenges you might be facing and have come through the other side.

ADELAIDE W (YEAR 11): Next week, we will send an email with a full list of our names. There are many of us, all with different personalities and interests, so there will be someone amongst us with whom you have things in common.

If you want to raise a concern, or would like to speak to someone closer to your age about a friendship issue, you can email any of us, or Miss Cronin or your Head of Year. Equally, you can speak to us in person, if you wish.

If there is something you believe the school should be looking at or working on, please let us or the school council representatives know, and we will look at it in our meetings.

EVA O (YEAR 10): So, to next week. Often, you are told in Anti-Bullying Week what you should be doing differently to prevent bullying. This year, we are putting you in charge of the strategy and ideas for the coming year. Next week, we will be going all around the school asking YOU what anti-bullying strategies you would like to see put in place here at Q. We will record your responses, and a range will be included in our Anti-Bullying Week promotional video, which will be shared with the school.

SAHI K (YEAR 10): You don’t have to answer any questions - it is completely voluntary! If there’s something you really want to say, you can come to our stand at lunch time on Tuesday, where we will be conducting more filmed vox pops, and we will have a suggestion box… and maybe some treats for those who contribute. 


These focus weeks and days are most effective when everyone gets involved, and the more feedback you give us, the better we can make the Queenswood community.