Anti-Bullying Charity Visit
Pupils from a North Yorkshire School today were delivered an important message on the value of respect. Representatives from the charity Bullies Out delivered two workshops to over 80 children on changing attitudes and challenging stereotypes as part of the school’s anti-bullying week. Sarah Taylor from Bullies Out was on hand to explain to pupils from Cundall Manor School the importance of standing up to bullies. She said: “Part of what we do is give all students a good understanding of the effects of bullying on others and the impact it has on their life.” The Bullies Out website has a host of information for parents, schools and pupils as well as information for employers and employees. Sarah talked about the impact stereotyping can have on the individual and added: “The workshop really helped pupils understand the effect of not understanding who people really are and how we behave can reinforce a stereotype.” Pupils were also encouraged to learn more about Bullies Out and become a ‘Young Ambassador.’ Here pupils would learn about and encourage young people to support the campaign through highlighting anti-bullying issues and empower, engage and inspire other young people to build a positive self-image to maintain wellbeing and personal resilience. Sandrine Cooke, PSHEE co-ordinator invited Bullies Out in to speak. She said: “Stereotyping is an issue that impacts many people throughout the country. Having a workshop that changes and challenges people’s attitudes can only help create a more open and accepting society.” To find out more about Bullies Out, visit their website on bulliesout.com
Author inspires pupils
A leading local children’s author visited Cundall Manor School this week to talk about writing and her latest books. Jane Clack, from Thirsk, delivered a series of masterclasses to over 80 pupils from Years 3 – 6 as she discussed how she creates her popular children’s books. Excited children gathered around Mrs Clack as she entertained pupils with stories about where she developed her love of writing and the inspiration behind many of her stories. Mrs Clack said: “I always wanted to be an author. Ever since I was a child I was a bookworm. My grandfather used to tell me stories while I was sat on his knee and my love of story-telling started from then.” She added: “The workshops are a great way to do what I really love; writing and sharing it with children.” Jane Clack, who splits her time between, North Yorkshire, Florida and Europe, told the children about how she was inspired by the story of a solitary Pinta Island Tortoise discovered in the Galapagos. ‘Lonesome Lawrie – Into the Unknown’ is a story about an unusual creature who lives in an equally bizarre land with problem which he needs to resolve as he sets out on dangerous quest. Head of Forms 1-4, Stuart Bayne said: “The children loved hearing about all the characters that make up the wonderful stories Jane tells.” “They had a great day and learned a lot about how to unleash their creative talents. I am sure we will have lots of wonderful stories from our pupils who have been inspired by today’s visit.” Cundall Manor School was recently shortlisted for the Independent Schools Association Award for Innovation and Excellence in Provision across the junior school. To find out more about Cundall Manor School or to book a tour, call 01423 360 200 or emailadmissions@cundallmanor.org.uk