It is vital to us that you keep safe when you are in school, at home, out and about or online. If you ever feel worried you can get help and support in several different ways.
You can talk to any member of staff, including:
If you want to talk to someone, but are a bit unsure about what to do, then you can leave a note at the student services office or use the link below to get help. If you report a concern someone will find you to have a chat.
No matter what your concern, childline are also always there to help.
What is bullying?
Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to threaten, intimidate or hurt someone, which may be repeated over time, which involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
This means that a bully is someone who hurts another person, usually more than once, by using behaviour which is meant to scare, hurt or upset that person.
It is important to remember that single problems and falling out with friends are not usually bullying.
Types of bullying can include: Emotional bullying, Physical bullying, Verbal bullying and Cyber bullying
Bullying can also be: Racist, Homophobic, Sexist, Disablist or Discriminative.
It can sometimes be done through another person, by one person sending another person to say nasty things.
If you want to report bullying speak to your form tutor, head of year, head of school or any member of staff.
There are some useful links on the right if you want support with bullying issues.
What is E-Safety?
Internet safety or online safety or cyber safety or E-Safety is trying to be safe on the internet and is the knowledge of maximizing the user's personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime.
What can you do to be safe?
How can you report an e-safety issue?
In our school there are members who of staff who are trained to help with any E-Safety issues. You can speak confidentially with Mrs Dawber (Alpha centre), Mr Power (1.15) or your head of year. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with staff, you can always report the issue online with CEOP.
Remember - always be SMART!
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child abuse. It happens when a young person is encouraged, or forced, to take part in sexual activity in exchange for something. The reward might be presents, money, alcohol, or simply just the promise of love and affection.
It might seem like a normal friendship or relationship at the beginning, but the young person might be persuaded to do sexual things they don't want to do in return for something.
The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
If you need any further information and/or advice please see either Miss Halliday or Mrs Williams based in Alpha 2.
If you or someone you know has issues with drugs, alcohol or smoking that are worrying you, you can talk to your Head of Year, Mrs Williams or Miss Halliday in the Alpha centre. They can refer you to the Health Mentor or Change, Grow, Live (CGL- Drug & Alcohol Service) who can give you confidential, specialist advice and support.
You can find more information about drugs, alcohol and smoking using the links.
All children can be vulnerable sometimes, and it is only natural to worry about your safety. More crimes are committed against teenagers than any other age group. If you are worried, you can help to protect yourself with these common-sense tips:
Also, remember that you need to take responsibility for your own safety by avoiding danger wherever possible; take care when crossing the road, steer clear of railway lines, take great care near water, and don't get caught up with the illegal use of fireworks etc.