Hassocks pupils show support for anti-bullying campaign

LVS Hassocks pupils, who are aged 11 to 19 and are on the autism spectrum, marked Anti-Bullying Week by taking part in lessons designed to help combat bullying.

Teacher Ewan Briggs said: “LVS Hassocks committing to a whole day focusing on anti-bullying enabled students to consider anti-bullying strategies through a range of mediums and workshops.

“They were able to appreciate that through making small changes they can influence their own environment. Students concluded that it is vital to work together to help combat bullying, and that was a key part of our activities on the day.”

Drama sessions were based around helping students to project themselves and develop confidence, while they designed and created their own t-shirts to wear in support of anti-bullying week during art classes.

PSHE (personal, social and health education) sessions revolved around understanding social anxiety, and in cookery lessons students baked and decorated their own ‘odd socks’ biscuits, part of the nationwide campaign of Odd Socks Day to celebrate difference.

In ICT students used design programs on their computers to create anti-bullying posters.

Team-building sessions, including building structures together, allowed students to explore themes such as communicating effectively, listening, taking turns and respecting others.