Practicing what they preach
School is stressful for parents. No sooner are your little bundles of joy out of nappies are you pondering where you will be sending them to learn, develop and pass exams. Who will teach them and who they will they learn with? It is a major decision that often encompasses a number of things such as location, Ofsted reports and word of mouth.
But imagine how stressful it is for the children! Walking into that building for the first time, so many thoughts and fears will be floating around their young minds as they struggle to grow accustomed to their new routines, classmates and teachers. What follows is a long, and hopefully enjoyable, journey as their personalities develop socially and academically.
For some, though, it won’t be like that. Those who don’t like school, be it due to routine, learning or simply a desire to be somewhere else may often find their inner feelings truly dampen their school years.
But there are also those who fall victim to bullying. Often mistaken as a secondary school thing only, the very act is prevalent at primary level, the home and workplace. Appearing in many forms, bullying is hugely damaging and often results in the most serious and tragic of outcomes.
So, as a parent of a six-year-old, my pride in St Kentigern’s Catholic Primary School, the very establishment my daughter attends, at recently receiving the Bronze Blackpool Beating Bullying Charter Mark award.
A campaign set up by young people, for young people, Blackpool Beating Bullying’s overall aim is to reduce bullying that unfortunately may sometimes occur in Blackpool Schools, by co-producing a charter mark to help implement whole systems change.
Bullying in schools is one of the most common issues that young people face, with 23% of Blackpool secondary school students saying that they had been bullied within school or near the school’s location in the last 12 months (as per the findings of the 2019 Blackpool SHEU report). Using their own personal experiences, young people articulated how bullying has an impact on victims, which may often be dismissed.
Treat Others How You Wish To Be Treated. Go on St. Kentigern’s website and you will see that very motto. But this is not simply a tick-boxing exercise, or lip service to appease school governors, it is the very ethos staff and pupils alike incorporate into their everyday lives.
Led by headteacher, Mrs Frances Wygladala, the school believes co-operation and friendship encourages a happy and caring, learning environment. St. Kentigern’s School is part of its parish community of faith and looks to develop its children to develop their spiritual, mental and physical abilities to their highest possible potential, by basing their lives on the teachings and values of Jesus Christ and his church, while recognising and respecting the beliefs of others. The school fully commits to the development of the whole child within a community where every individual is valued and respected.
A clear plan and outlook, St. Kentigern’s provides a clear and concise communication, which makes me feel as part of the fabric as my child, who frequently informs me of how her school celebrates kindness as passionately as academic accomplishment.
Teachers and teaching assistants, as well as the delightfully helpful Mrs Sobrino on reception, the vibes from this pillar of the Blackpool is one of inclusion and acceptance. It would be naïve and incorrect to suggest that bullying has never reared its ugly head on school grounds, but the messages of tolerance and acceptance are both clear and borne out by this latest achievement. St. Kentigern’s works hard for each and every one of its students in creating a harmonious environment.
And will continue to do so!
