St Andrew’s and St Bride’s pair represent school at Anti-Bullying Conference

Dec 16 2009 by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News

A GROUP of debaters from St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School were in great voice when they attended Scotland's third national Anti-Bullying Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.

Eight pupils from S4 and S5 represented the school at the national conference hosted by RespectMe (Scotland's Anti-Bullying Service) to mark the beginning of National Anti-Bullying Week.

The school was invited to take part in an exhibition debate, a key aspect of the conference.

Pupils Rachael Cadwallender, S5, and Rebecca McMonagle, S4, debated against Lauren Kelly and Alistar Campbell of Port Glasgow High School about the issue of whether more exclusions are necessary in order to combat the problem of bullying in schools.

The girls from St Andrew's and St Bride's High School presented their case powerfully and answered questions from both the audience and chairperson Glenn Campbell, BBC presenter of The Politics Show Scotland, with conviction.

Having made a lasting impression on the audience, a show of hands secured their victory and left the audience, comprising mainly of teachers and youth workers, with a deeper knowledge of the possible anti-bullying solutions.

Speaking after her victory Rebecca told the News: "We are thrilled by our success at this significant event.

“Our hard work and determination have paid off and we hope to represent the school more in the future."

Throughout the day, the other representatives from St Andrew's and St Bride's participated in a number of workshops, centred around the theme of the prevention of bullying.

“The pupils found these workshops thought-provoking and captivating, and felt that the promoted messages were very significant and it was a worthwhile experience.

The debate was an overwhelming success thanks to the support and guidance of the debating club and English teacher, Mrs Lyon.

The club, which has achieved many distinguished titles in the past, is going from strength to strength and hopes to continue its success in future events.

Head teacher, Douglas Cosgrove said: "We were delighted when RespectMe invited St Andrew's and St Bride's High School to participate in their annual conference.

“As a Catholic school respect for everyone is central to the ethos of the school.

“The pupils are representatives of the young people of East Kilbride and everyone should be proud of their contribution to this national event"