Mrs Lang (Head of PSHE and Drama Teacher)

This week (16th - 20th November) is Anti-Bullying Week, which is an important part of BGS' commitment to building a positive culture of kindness where everyone feels welcome and included. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated in our school, and the girls understand that they all have a role to play in creating a 'zero tolerance' culture, where being an upstander is the norm.

Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors are positive role models who are trained to recognise bullying, to report it and to support their peers. During this week, we often shine a spotlight on their work, and our Upper Sixth Lead Ambassadors were anticipating working with girls across the school to draw further attention to their ongoing campaign. This has been more challenging than usual this year, but the girls have not been deterred by the restrictions of bubbles and remote learning, instead showing their determination to celebrate our connected community, even when we are apart.

Odd Socks Day on Monday 16th November invites students to demonstrate their commitment to Anti-Bullying by wearing mismatched socks, as a visual symbol of difference in a celebration of the diversity that makes our school richer and more vibrant for all of us. It was brilliant to see quirky, colourful footwear on the feet of so many girls as they moved around the school. Most heart-warming though, was the contribution of the Upper Sixth. They may have been at home learning remotely, but they really demonstrated they were with us in spirit, by participating in the day from their homes. A special thanks to Gabi Dennis (Upper Sixth) who coordinated the collection of so many photographs that we have been able to share around the school this week, as a timely reminder of the role models they are for our school.

Eloise Toone (Upper Sixth, Anti-Bullying Ambassador) said: We were absolutely blown away by how many Upper Sixth students sent photographs of their odd socks! It really highlighted to me that even though we were separated, together as a year group, we were all united in standing up to bullying and supporting the work of the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.

Anna Hull (Upper Sixth, Anti-Bullying Ambassador) added: “Although Odd Socks Day wasn’t the same for Upper Sixth this year, I think it was even more amazing to see everyone’s support (and colourful socks!) on our WhatsApp group. I hope this demonstrates to everyone that in spite of COVID restrictions, we are still committed to creating an environment of respect and acceptance at BGS.”