Creative pupils say 'no' to school bullying (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Creative pupils say 'no' to school bullying

LITTLE acorns took the first steps towards becoming mature oaks in a school anti-bullying project with a twist.

Children and parents at Crockerton Primary School got sticky fingers on Friday as they worked together to produce a clay sculpture for a national anti- bullying week.

With the help of two local artists, the school produced a clay plate and a bowl packed with clay acorns to symbolise the close-knit community in Crockerton.

The project, called Together We're Stronger, formed part of Wiltshire County Council's Walk Tall Week, a countywide initiative which coincides with National Anti-Bullying Week.

Schools were encouraged to work with their local community to produce a piece of art that reflects what is special and supportive about each individual school. Crockerton teacher Jackie Gunter said: "The idea was to make a free-standing sculpture for the peace gardens. We made a plate with an oak leaf symbol and a bowl with two hands.

"Each child and parent then made an acorn to place in the bowl to demonstrate that they are part of the community within which we work and play.

"This project has been the culmination of Anti-Bullying Week and the children have been learning about respect for one another through assemblies and classroom activities."

Sculptor Olivia Petkoff, whose daughter Kalinka is in the reception class, said: "It's nice for the parents to get involved as well because it makes everyone feel part of the community.

"The children have been helping each other today. When they finished their own clay acorn they helped their friends to complete theirs.

"Some of the designs have been really inventive and imaginative. Every acorn is individual."

Potter Vicky Whelpton, whose son Callum is a year five pupil, said: "All the children have really enjoyed themselves today and they have been very enthusiastic.

"It's great to see them working together with parents for such a good cause."

The project also coincided with Crockerton's own Freaky Friday, a weekly session in which parents visit the school to pass on their skills to the children.

l Pupils at North Bradley Primary School made a giant paper chain to symbolise a united front against bullying.

Every pupil and teacher wrote on a link, describing how they make the school a happier place.

Pupils also wore blue outfits for a non-school uniform day on Friday to mark the end of the national week.