Last week, RGS Prep came together as a community to mark Anti-Bullying Week, embracing the national theme of “Using Our Power for Good.” The initiative aimed to reinforce kindness, inclusivity and respect across all year groups through a series of engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions.
The week began with a whole-school assembly exploring how every individual has the power to lift others up through positive actions. Boys reflected on the importance of fairness and empathy, linking these values to the school’s ethos and the concept of protected characteristics. They learned that our differences not only make us unique but also strengthen the fabric of our community.
Throughout the week, pupils participated in interactive workshops, including a memorable session in the Mezzanine where boys explored how to channel their “power” for good. Using drama techniques such as freeze frames and role-play, they expressed emotions and considered the impact of bullying from multiple perspectives. These sessions, led by West End Productions, highlighted the vital role of bystanders and encouraged proactive steps to support peers.
A highlight of the week was Odd Socks Day, where the entire school proudly wore mismatched socks to celebrate individuality and promote the message that it’s okay to be different. Both Pre-Prep and Prep pupils also enjoyed the Friendship Photobooth, capturing joyful moments that celebrated inclusion and togetherness.
Adding a lasting legacy to the campaign, the school unveiled its new Buddy Benches, purchased through the efforts of the School Council and Mrs Self. These benches will serve as safe spaces for pupils to seek companionship and foster friendships during playtimes.
The week concluded with reflections during Form Time, reinforcing the message that words and actions carry real power. By choosing kindness, fairness and respect, every pupil can make a positive difference.
As the pupils left the week behind, one message stood clear: the greatest power of all is kindness.
A poem by Donna Ashworth
‘You’
If every single person who has liked you in your lifetime were to light up on a map, it would create the most glitteringly beautiful network you could imagine. Throw in the strangers you’ve been kind to, the people you’ve made laugh, or inspired along the way, and that star-bright web of you would be an impressive sight to behold. You’re so much more than you think you are. You have done so much more than you realise. You’re trailing a bright pathway that you don’t even know about. What a thing. What a thing indeed.