Anti-bullying week at Rivington and Blackrod School

The school in Horwich continued its tradition of supporting the national week including a play written and performed by pupils.

The piece depicted the consequences of bullying including anorexia and self-harm and the pressure on today's generation to look a particular way using physical theatre and movement — dramatically it finished with a link to world events including 9/11 reflecting attempts to control others.

Under the banner of "Let's stop bullying for all", students took part in week of activities in and out of lessons to educate students to recognise and eradicate all forms of bullying — and the school's stance that bullying is not tolerated.

Blue Friday was marked by a market place to sell items to support anti-bullying charities.

Tony Purcell, headteacher, said: “The anti-bullying campaign is very important to us.

"Bullying prevents students from feeling safe, stopping them from enjoying and succeeding at school.

"Anti-bullying week gives us the opportunity to highlight and continue the work that we do to reinforce the message that any type of bullying is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated in school or any area of life.

"It is great to see that our students engage so fully in the week and support the message that bullying is not acceptable.”

Pupils said it was important to mark anti-bullying week — which this year has been backed by Rugby ace Gareth Thomas, the 100-times capped former Wales skipper, who has recently spoken of how his own schools days were blighted by bullying.

Year 10 pupil Grace Hardstaff said: "It is so important because bullying happens in every aspect of life, and so it is important that people can recognize it, bring awareness to it, and help to stop it.”

Classmate Helen Hadley added: “All students across school support it.

"The week helps to further generate an awareness of the issue, so that people can give support and help if it is happening to one of their friends. It is an important week for the school, which further supports the work that is done throughout the year.”

She added: "My message would be that if you see bullying taking place, then don’t be afraid of it, but instead help those who victims of bullying to gain the help and support that they need.”

Lisa Walshe, head of performing arts, said: “We are trying to highlight the national anti-bullying message ‘Let’s Stop Bullying for All’ whilst putting across our own Rivington message about working together to make our school a place where everyone wants to be.”