Handsworth Grammar Anti-bullying Ambassadors: A groundbreaking leadership programme at Handsworth Grammar is giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to stand up to bullying.
The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, is empowering a team of dedicated young ‘anti-bullying ambassadors’ in Year 7, 8 and 9 to support fellow students through friendship struggles.
Created by Head of Year 9 Eve Morgan, the initiative has given 30 students the title of Anti-Bullying Ambassador, as well as the training needed to prevent bullying.
Miss Morgan explained: “We have very few issues with bullying here in HGS, so we wanted reinforce that by enlisting the students to create a support network for things like friendship fallouts, misunderstandings and minor disagreements.”
After writing letters of application and undertaking interviews, 10 Ambassadors from each year group were recruited for the important new role.
The young leaders were then given training on how to identify the signs of bullying, respond to other students’ problems, and know when to speak to a member of staff about bigger issues.
Kitted out in special badges, the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors are each assigned a section of the playground to monitor based on a rota, so fellow students can easily identify them for support.
Miss Morgan said: “The student Ambassadors have got really involved in school life. They’ve done form presentations, form activities and assemblies about anti-bullying. They’re even planning on doing a podcast and booklet for incoming Year 6 pupils, giving them advice on how to make a good start in secondary school.”
The scheme also reflects the five ‘CARES’ values that are encouraged at Handsworth Grammar School: Community, Aspiration, Respect, Endeavour, and Service.
Ambassador Prabhav Sharma, 13, said: “In the assemblies we made sure students knew where we were and at what times, how and why they can reach out to us, and the different ways we can help them.
“Feeling bullied can make someone feel trapped and helpless. As an Anti-Bullying Ambassador, I want to help people escape those feelings.”
The Year 7 Ambassadors will also take part in the transition day in July for incoming Year 6 pupils, so new students will arrive at HGS already knowing someone who can support them.
Each year, new Anti-Bullying Ambassadors will be chosen, and the outgoing ones will go on to be mentors supporting training as they pass on the torch to the new Ambassadors.
The Handsworth Grammar Anti-Bullying Ambassadors already feel they are making a difference.
Ezra Kpogho, 11, said: “I’ve learned a lot so far, such as the basics of bullying, how to prevent it and how to notice when it’s happening.
“It took some time for other students to feel confident coming to us, but since we’ve done assemblies and form presentations, we’ve noticed more people asking for help.”
Eesa Kalsheket, 13, said: “I chose to be an Ambassador because I don’t feel people should be bullied, and unkind behaviour should be stopped. We all do our bit, and it works really well.”
Dhairya Kashyap, 12, said: “It feels good to be an Ambassador as it’s a satisfying way to help others in need. It’s nice to see people walk away feeling better after speaking to us.”
Diros Kandel, 14, added: “I think other schools should have something similar. The Ambassador scheme gives students a sense of security and a chance to talk to someone about what they’re going through, making them feel more comfortable.”
Miss Morgan said: “Having a role like this gives them the initiative to step in and help when they see unkind behaviour in school, as well as important leadership and teamwork skills which link strongly to our CARES values.
“It encapsulates the inclusive culture here at HGS, empowering students to stand up for what’s right and confide in someone else if they’re struggling. I’m so proud of all of our Ambassadors and how they’ve stepped up to the role.”
Headteacher Tim Johnson said: “While no school can ever be complacent about bullying, we are proud that it is uncommon at Handsworth Grammar School and we are determined to make our school environment even stronger through this programme.
“The response from students wanting to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors was exceptional and reflects the kindness, maturity and sense of service within our school community. They are truly embodying our CARES values through the way they look after and support one another. I look forward to seeing this programme go from strength to strength in the school.”
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