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Dramatic step in bid to beat the bullies
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 10th Dec 2002.
A highly acclaimed anti-bullying video, made and produced by Swindon students, could be shown in schools across the borough.
More than 200 students from Headlands School helped create Big Bully, which was premiered before an audience of around 70 people.
The video, which explores bullying in its many different forms including physical and verbal abuse, is of such a high standard that other schools across the borough may now incorporate it in lessons.
Students from Years 9, 10 and 11 spent three weeks on the innovative project and masterminded everything themselves from deciding which camera angles to use, to how the credits should appear at the end of the 24-minute production.
Facilitated by Swindon-based film-makers Mike Juggins and Josie Williams, of Ants In Yer Pants, the video's aim is to open up debate on a relatively taboo subject in order to positively effect children's lives.
Inderaj Chem, 14, of Gorse Hill, said while he had fun making the video, he hoped the serious message would lead to victims seeking help.
He said: "I really enjoyed making it. Bullies may think they are hard and clever but they are not.
"The important thing for people who are being bullied is to tell someone as soon as possible. Other schools should definitely do something like this."
Fellow student Leanne Stiles, 14, portrayed a bully and says the experience has made her realise how it affects people's lives.
She said: "I haven't really experienced bullying before but the video does make you think about certain things.
"Most people just tend to think about the bully and the victim but our video makes the watcher just as important. They are the people who know these things are going on but don't do anything to stop it."
Leanne's mother, Angela Wilson, 41, said she was impressed with the students' achievement.
Mrs Wilson said: "My 19-year-old daughter Lisa was bullied at school because she is diabetic and I know how horrible it is.
"Hopefully this video will make teachers more aware of the problems and children will let adults know when something is wrong."
Head teacher John Wells said: "The video will now be integrated in PSE and Citizenship lessons and there are plans to show it in primary schools too.
"It is a project that needs and welcomes discussion afterwards, where students can play devil's advocate and work out solutions in debate form.
"One of the big thrusts is to get students to look for themselves at issues in the school and work at ways of solving them together."
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