The Learning Escape highlights Anti-Bullying week

Bullying in schools is a battle for pupils, teacher and parents. We may not have eradicated it completely but schools are campaigning to make a difference. This week, between 19^th and 23^rd November, is Anti-Bullying Week and schools across the country are working together to raise awareness and help put a stop to bullies.

At The Learning Escape we’ve seen schools fight bullying by changing the way they play and learn. Adding variety and a new dimension to the daily routine has improved pupil’s social and behavioural skills. We’ve put together some pointers about developing an outdoor space that can help combat bullying in Primary Schools.

• Outdoor learning. Taking lessons and activities outdoors adds variety to the normal school routine. Giving pupils a new environment to work and play in can be a great incentive for good behaviour. Schools that have develop a new, exciting outdoor space often offer it as a reward for well-behaved pupils. This month, it could be for those who do their bit to combat bullying.
• Environmental Citizenship. Getting pupils to think about their impact on the environment is becoming an increasingly important subject within schools and nurseries. By teaching pupils about their fragile planet, staff can help them realise that there are a lot more important things to place a focus on than being nasty to one another.
• Interactive Play. Developing an outdoor space that encourages interactive play can bring together pupils of all ages, shapes and sizes. Spaces that are designed for easy free-flow play can help pupils work together to move between areas and create games and roleplays. Their outdoor environment is natural inspiration for a range of activities.
• Zoned playground. Bullying often occurs because there are pupils that are less confident than others. Developing an outdoor space that is zoned can help combat some negative behaviours. Ensuring there is a space where pupils can relax means that those that don’t want to be involved in certain games and activities can have some time to themselves. Alternatively the ‘quiet zone’ could be used as a place to calm those that may be showing signs of bullying.