Professional Development Resource

Students are continually developing new forms of bullying, often more subtle and harder to detect – particularly with the growing use of communication technologies. As one Grade 8 teacher commented: "I don't know I would recognize bullying if I saw it. I don't know what it looks like anymore."

The Professional Development Resource will present a self-contained, staff-run workshop with the flexibility to be adapted to suit the needs of the school – however, ideally it will involve all staff in a half-day’s training.

The Professional Development version is composed of a DVD and accompanying Guide for the staff Group Leader. Like the Classroom Resource, the DVD will include two films, and the training session will combine viewing the relevant film with a series of questions to prompt discussion and direct a more detailed analysis of the issue.

For example, before viewing the film staff will be asked to outline their understanding of bullying, the consequences which concern them most, and how their school finds out what is happening with students who are being bullied. They watch the film, then explore how it has highlighted factors they may not previously have considered, followed by a more in-depth look at specific issues raised in the film.

The Stories of Us films provide a rare insight into what takes place in the school yard (and beyond) from the students’ perspective. As a consequence they are a valuable resource for teachers in building their awareness of bullying from a student perspective. The aim of this resource is to help teachers define and understand what is potentially happening for many of their students, and consider how they create a safe and supportive environment for students. The intention is not to arrive at definitive answers, but to constructively explore the issue and allow teachers to share their knowledge and experience.

Other resources in the program:
Classroom Resource
Community Education Resource
Make-You-Own-Film Resource