At Cams Hill School we work to create a situation in which everyone is valued and respected. In this context bullying is totally unacceptable and every effort will be made to 'minimise' it.

"Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone". Physical assault, intimidation, name-calling, persistent teasing and verbal abuse are the main tactics used by bullies. Victims are usually smaller and weaker than the bully but not always. Pupils who have low self-esteem, are shy and quiet, have few friends, are reserved or unassertive may become victims. Some, however, have themselves been bullies.

GUIDANCE FOR PUPILS:

• Yr 6: Raised by Head of Year 7 at Cluster Link Meetings; with parents also at initial meeting in September and later in June.
• Yr 7: Bullying tackled through the Personal, Social and Health Education programmes.
• Yr 8: Assembly (Autumn) by the Head of Year or others.
• Yr 9: Assembly (Autumn) by the Head of Year or others.
• Yr 10: Part of the role of Prefects in the Spring Term is “to be on the lookout for incidents”.
• Yr 11: Senior Prefect Meetings - 'spotting the symptoms'

GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS:

There is a relatively low incidence of bullying at Cams Hill School and OFSTED comments were very positive on this aspect. Nevertheless, parents will be given an annual reminder in an appropriate Newsletter of the existence of the School policy (which is available from Reception on request). The purpose of this reminder is to reassure parents that the problem of bullying is constantly monitored and to seek their co-operation in combating the early signs before they assume greater proportions.

National Anti Bullying Week is brought to pupils’ attention during the second half of the Autumn Term. In the weeks leading up to National Anti Bullying Week, the National theme is looked at in great detail with all pupils given the opportunity to talk through/discuss various topics during their tutor times. In addition to this, different Departments are asked to provide/share relevant information with pupils dependant on the National theme. Assemblies for the National week are also used to enhance the theme with a Drama, a short film or a guest speaker. A piece of artwork may be produced and displayed in the School as a permanent reminder to pupils of the National theme.

The School also has a Peer Mentoring scheme which is co-ordinated by a member of staff and run by Year 10/11 pupils. The Peer Mentors act as a listening ear to Lower School pupils and are trained to give this support. They work closely with the Pupil Parent Services Department and Heads of Year. As well as acting as a listening ear, the Peer Mentors also give presentations for Lower School assemblies as and when required. They are invaluable members of the School community.