Recently, our school aligned with the UK’s Anti-Bullying Week 2023, where approximately 80% of schools were estimated to have participated in related activities, Wellington College International Hangzhou held its own annual Anti-Bullying Week. This enriching initiative, deeply rooted in our values and robust Wellbeing curriculum, featured engaging activities and lessons that aimed to educate and promote the Wellington value of kindness among pupils.
The week began with an assembly led by the school council, articulating the purpose of Anti-Bullying Week, and outlining activities the school was planning to host throughout the week. The pupils were then encouraged to participate in various events, including the House Poster Competition and Odd Socks Day.
The school kicked off the week with Odd Socks Day, where pupils and staff donned mismatched socks to symbolise our uniqueness. The event received a positive response from our pupils, who were excited to show off their wacky sock collection. The House Poster Competition, judged by the house captains, was also a hit. The pupils were tasked with creating posters that promoted kindness and anti-bullying messages. The winning entries earned their house extra points, which added to their overall score.
It was not just about having fun, Wellington College International Hangzhou ensured that the pupils had a comprehensive understanding of what bullying is, and how to prevent it. Class lessons were thoughtfully designed to teach pupils the impact of bullying and raise awareness about the importance of being kind to each other.
Our Wellbeing and PSHE classes were especially effective as they provided a safe space for the pupils to express their thoughts and feelings about bullying, learning effective ways to combat it both within and outside the school environment.
The week ended on a high note as pupils gathered to express their commitment to promoting a bully-free environment. They took the opportunity to present their learnings and ideas about how they can contribute to eradicating bullying within the school community.
In addition to spotlighting bullying prevention, Wellington College International Hangzhou encouraged pupils to engage in random acts of kindness throughout the week. Teachers motivated pupils to do something kind for someone else, whether it be helping a friend with homework, sharing their lunch, or simply giving someone a compliment. Pupils were excited to participate in these activities, and the positive impact of these small but meaningful actions could be felt throughout the school.
In fact, Random Acts of Kindness Day was also celebrated during Anti-Bullying Week, where the entire school dedicated the day to spreading kindness. The pupils were encouraged to try and perform as many acts of kindness as possible throughout the day, and the school was filled with a sense of positivity and kindness creating a sense of harmony and inclusivity.
In conclusion, Anti-Bullying Week and all its designed activities at Wellington College International Hangzhou reflected our commitment to developing well-rounded individuals and successfully reinforced the importance of empathy and compassion in creating a positive and inclusive school community. By taking small but meaningful actions, the pupils were able to make a significant impact on each other's lives and contribute to building a school environment that flourishes with respect and understanding.
