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Respectfest ‘14

Published: 12/06/2014

Children, young people and local services took part in the annual Respectfest hosted by Argoed High School recently. Respectfest is Flintshire’s anti-bullying event that focuses on encouraging respect within schools and communities. Over 170 primary and secondary school children had the opportunity to take part in workshops and discuss bullying and its effects. This year’s event was led by Year 10 pupils from Argoed High School, helped by teacher Jane Driffield, and Emma Murphy from Flintshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Partnership. The day was split into three sessions, the first was a workshop designed by Argoed pupils about cyber bullying, featuring the school’s award-winning video. A second session was developed by the Flintshire Youth Forum to help pupils explore how being treated unfairly or differently might make someone feel. Finally, during the third session chaired by Aled Burt, Argoed’s future head boy, the pupils attending were able to ask questions to a panel of professionals and young people who have been working to help tackle bullying in Flintshire. The panel included representatives from North Wales Police, local schools, Flintshire County Council, E-Treble 9 and consultant Lynn Williams. David Messum, senior learning advisor for inclusion and wellbeing at Argoed High School said: “Respectfest was organised and delivered by young people from Ysgol Argoed and across Flintshire. It was well planned and delivered with professionalism and enthusiasm. The thought provoking activities were well received and will give young people in our schools positive ideas on how respecting others should be promoted. All refreshments were prepared by pupils who are part of the ‘Time for Change’ project.” Councillor Chris Bithell, Cabinet Member for Education said: “It is important for young people to be able to get together and discuss these issues. Having respect for each other and the right platform air these views gives children a greater understanding of how their actions and words are interpreted by others. The event is a great way of teaching children about bullying and the issues surrounding it.” Photo caption: Pupils and staff taking part in Respectfest 14.