The Learning Curve

As parents and teachers invested in the wellbeing and holistic development of our children, we recognise the importance of instilling values that go beyond academics. This is probably best reflected in the four Mougins School values, selected two years ago: Respect, Integrity, Learning and Community. At Mougins British International school, we are proud to be at the forefront of cultivating a nurturing and inclusive environment for all our young learners.

Anti-Bullying Week, observed globally this week, serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in creating a safe and supportive community for our children. At Mougins School we are dedicated to equipping our students with the tools they need to navigate social interactions confidently.

Our approach centres around transforming bystanders into upstanders—individuals who actively support and stand up for those experiencing bullying. We strive to cultivate a culture of empathy, where students understand the impact of their words and actions on their peers. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to combat bullying, we are thrilled to introduce our new Peer Mentoring Programme. This initiative aims to create a network of support among students, fostering positive connections across grade levels. Older students from our Sixth form will be paired with younger ones, providing guidance, friendship, and a sense of belonging. The peer mentors will also play a crucial role in promoting the values of empathy and kindness within our school community.

You can read more about the programme here, and the research that supports this work. Teachers throughout school are encouraged to nominate students they feel might benefit. In Primary, we will talk with parents before enrolling students on the scheme. Secondary students, meanwhile, heard about the scheme in Tuesday’s assembly and can also request a mentor directly using the online form. By implementing the Peer Mentoring Programme, we believe in creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This proactive approach empowers our students to develop resilience and assertiveness, enabling them to stand up against bullying in all its forms.

We encourage parents to engage with their children in conversations about empathy, kindness, and the importance of being an upstander. Together, we can reinforce these values at home and extend the impact of our efforts beyond the school walls.
 

 

Sarah Michael,
Deputy Head, Pastoral & Wellbeing 
Designated Safeguarding Lead