St Malachy’s College prides itself on its proactive approach to pastoral care and that was never more evident than during Anti-Bullying Week earlier in November.

Throughout the week, Year 8 and 9 students took part in a series of workshops that were designed to raise awareness of this important issue. Pupils were instructed on how to spot the signs of bullying and how to stop it.

The sessions were interactive in nature and involved presentations, discussion, role-play and games. The workshops were also an opportunity for mentors from Year 14 to work closely with their classes, further developing a positive rapport with the junior students who look up to them as role models.

The experience was hugely rewarding and feedback from all the students involved was tremendously encouraging –

‘The workshop made me realise that stopping bullying is everyone’s responsibility and bullying can happen in ways I never knew. The sixth form mentors helped us understand the meaning of bullying and why it is our responsibility to stop bullying.’ Niall, Year 9

‘We played plenty of games but we had serious conversations about bullying. I liked the fact that the sixth form mentors were helping out and they got us talking about bullying among ourselves.’ Conor, Year 8

‘I really like this programme – I think it will cause bullies to change their ways, or at least think of the other person’s feelings.’ Vincent, Year 8

‘Participating in the running of the anti-bullying workshop was a great experience for me and I believe it was a very successful day. I felt that the pupils thoroughly enjoyed it, but more importantly learnt a great deal about the consequences of bullying for both bully and victim.’ Peter, Year 14 Mentor