This year's Anti-Bullying Awareness Week at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation has been a great success, filled with meaningful discussion, creativity, and community spirit. The week for the Senior School began in Chapel, where our Wellbeing Ambassadors led an engaging introduction on this year's national theme, "The Power of Good." Their talk encouraged pupils to reflect on how even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on those around us. As part of this introduction, they shared the thought-provoking story of "The Empty Chair", which explored the role of the bystander in situations of unkindness or bullying. The story reminded everyone that silence can sometimes support the problem, while speaking up or showing empathy can make a real difference. 

On Tuesday, our Year 7 pupils took part in a postcard exchange with our sister school in Dubai and Kenya, sending and receiving messages of encouragement and positivity, another wonderful example of connection and kindness across communities. We have also exchange videos and shared photographs of our connected activities throughout.

Video exchange with important messages about Bullying and Kindness from Dubai.

Durham School, UK Poole House Year 7 with their Durham School, Dubai Year 7 Poole postcards.

Midweek, our Wellbeing Ambassadors led a powerful activity in Houses called "The Ripple Effect." This interactive session helped students visualise how one kind, or unkind, comment can spread through a community, influencing others in positive or negative ways. On Thursday, the entire school took part in the annual Anti-Bullying Survey during tutor time. This important opportunity allows us to listen to our students' voices and continue improving the systems that support our caring and respectful school environment.

The Ripple Effect activity by Pimlico House.

Friday brought a vibrant end to the week as our senior pupils proudly wore odd socks to celebrate individuality and remind us that difference should be embraced. The energy, enthusiasm, and thoughtful participation from all students have been truly inspiring. A huge thank you goes to our Wellbeing Ambassadors for their leadership and to the whole school community for showing that the message of anti-bullying awareness extends far beyond this single week; it's something we live by every day.