Definition of bullying
Bullying is repeated behaviour which makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened, whether this is intended or not.
There are different sorts of bullying, but the three main types are:

PHYSICAL hitting, kicking, taking or hiding belongings including money;
VERBAL name calling, teasing, insulting, writing unkind notes;
EMOTIONAL being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, spreading rumours, looks.

People react differently. It is not always possible to tell if someone is hurt or upset.

Aims
The aim of our anti bullying policy is to clarify for students and staff that bullying is always unacceptable. We wish to encourage an environment where independence is celebrated and individuals can flourish without fear. Every student has the right to be safe and happy in school, and to be protected when he/she is feeling vulnerable.

Possible signs
Students who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness or clinging to adults. They may show changes in their work patterns, may lack concentration or may even truant from school.

Encouragement to tell
It is important that we create an atmosphere in the school where students who are being bullied, or others who know about it, feel that they will be listened to and believed and that action taken will be swift but sensitive to their concerns.
Not telling protects the bully or bullies and gives the message that they can continue, perhaps bullying others too.

Procedures
In the first instance, it is important to make it clear to the victim that revenge is not appropriate, and to the bully that his/her behaviour is unacceptable and has caused distress. Every effort is made to resolve the problem through counselling of both parties.
At this stage, parents of both parties are informed of what has happened and how it has been dealt with. It is vital that everything that happens is carefully recorded in a clear, factual way.
If the bullying behaviour continues and counselling has not worked, then sanctions follow.
It is important that counselling is maintained for both parties, even when sanctions have been applied.

To students
If you are being bullied, or you know that someone else is, please tell us straight away and it will be dealt with. This may be to your link sixth form student, to a friend who will inform staff of your problem, or directly to one of your teachers. Your problem will be dealt with initially in confidence, so you need not fear the bully finding out the source of our information. Not telling means the victim will continue to suffer and the bully will carry on, probably with others too. We all have a responsibility to make sure that bullying is not allowed to continue in our school.

To parents
If you think your child may be being bullied, or he/she tells you that he/she is, please let us know straight away. Please reassure him/her that we will deal with it sensitively but firmly. If your child tells us he/she is being bullied, or we discover that he/she is bullying others, we will contact you and will discuss together how the situation can be improved.

To teachers
If you think that bullying is happening, talk to the students concerned and ask them what has been happening. Either ask them to write it down, or do so yourself, so that it can be passed on to the Head of Year/Head of School.

We need to be particularly vigilant at breaks and travelling times, around corridors, between lessons and in the area of the playground and the toilets. These are times and places where victims are more vulnerable and bullying is not easily seen.

The topic of bullying is dealt with in our Personal and Social Education Programme in a way which explores why it happens and gives alternative ways of behaving and dealing with difficulties.