Anti-bullying gold standard award for pupils

Youngsters from Bramley Sunnyside Junior School and Treeton C of E Primary were among those presented with a gold Anti-Bullying Award, recognising their commitment to supporting their classmates.

A total of 22 schools were presented with bronze, silver and gold awards at the New York Stadium as part of Anti-Bullying Week.

The annual awards ceremony also tied in for the second time with Odd Socks Day, which gives children the opportunity to express their individuality in a fun way. 

Ann Foxley-Johnson from The Anti-Bullying Company has been working in partnership with Rotherham schools for the last four years, providing anti-bullying training, support and education. 

“The awards ceremony went really well, and we predominately had primary schools involved this year,” she said.

“But all of the schools have been making great progress in raising awareness against bullying.”

Schools in the area were encouraged to apply for the awards and were presented with their certificates on the day by Rotherham Borough Council deputy leader, Cllr Gordon Watson, and the Department for Education’s anti-bullying policy representative, Karen Goodchild. 

Canklow Woods Primary School, Thurcroft Infant School, Wath Victoria Primary School and The Rowan Centre took home gold, there were silvers for Blackburn Primary School, Laughton Junior and Infant School and Our Lady and St Joseph’s RC School and Kiveton Park Meadows Junior School received bronze awards.

Performing arts students from Rotherham College wrote and performed an original drama which focused around the theme of the week, “Choose Respect”.