On Monday, our Second Form pupils took part in a session exploring the difference between banter and bullying. Using scenarios, pupils discussed how comments can cross a line and how our words affect others.

Key learning points included:

• Intent vs. Impact: Even if something is meant as a joke, it may still cause harm.
• Mutuality vs. One-sidedness: Banter should be shared, not targeted.
• Respect vs. Power Imbalance: When one person holds control or influence, comments can quickly become hurtful.

Pupils reflected on the importance of choosing words with care and understanding that you do not have to be the bully to contribute to a problem. Bystanders have significant influence and speaking up for peers plays a crucial role in creating a respectful and supportive environment.

Next Monday, I will be meeting with First Form pupils to explore strategies for managing conflict within friendships. Together, we will look at how disagreements are a normal part of growing up and how to approach challenging conversations in a calm and constructive way. We know that friendship difficulties can be very emotional and we hope these sessions will help pupils feel more confident in navigating them.

Our Fourth Form pupils are engaging enthusiastically in their wellbeing lessons on financial awareness. Each session begins with a budgeting game, and it has been fascinating to hear their discussions about the realities of financial decision-making, such as dealing with bills or weighing up the cost of running a car!

This week, they also began researching different types of scams. One particularly interesting example we explored involved scammers placing fake QR codes over genuine ones to redirect payments. We also discussed how the increasing use of AI can make it harder to distinguish accurate information from misinformation and pupils considered practical approaches to fact-checking and staying safe online.

I wanted to make you aware of some recent resources added to the Teen Tips wellbeing hub (which parents have access to free of charge)

17th – 23rd November is Children’s Grief Awareness Week.
Parent resources and materials are available through The Wellbeing Hub, including:

• Blog – Talking to children and young people when a parent or someone close has incurable cancer, written by Kate Wells, Family Support Lead at The Ruth Strauss Foundation.

I also listened to an insightful two-part podcast, Insights into Autism, where CBT Therapist and Founder of Act for Autism, Tessa Morton, discusses autism and offers simple, practical ways to support autistic children both at home and at school.