Supporting Every Learner

Edgemead High takes bullying very seriously. A zero-tolerance approach is taken.

Edgemead High School Anti-Bullying Protocol

Edgemead High School takes a firm stance against, and a holistic approach towards, all forms of bullying. In accordance with the requirements of the South African Schools’ Act (Act 84 of 1996) and all relevant provincial legislation, the school has adopted the following Anti-Bullying protocol within the framework of the school’s Code of Conduct, which is also aligned with our core values. We have developed a proactive strategy which focuses on empowering learners through mentorship to create a safe environment that addresses bullying behaviour.

Since there are many contributing factors to a bullying scenario, each case warrants an individual assessment and will be dealt with on its own merits, following a supportive yet firm approach.

It is important to distinguish between bullying and other unwanted behaviour. Bullying is not synonymous with mutual peer conflict, fallouts within friendship groups, or isolated incidents of negative behaviour — although any of these could develop into bullying, which is generally defined as a repetitive offence that targets the wellbeing of an individual and is characterised by an imbalance of power between bully and victim. Actions that don’t amount to bullying may still constitute a contravention of the Code of Conduct (e.g. fighting, intimidation) and will be dealt with appropriately.

1. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is repetitive, aggressive behaviour arising from a deliberate intent to cause physical or psychological distress to others. It may be perpetrated by an individual or a group, and may also be aimed at an individual or a group.

Forms of bullying include, but are not limited to: hurtful teasing; aggressive or threatening body language; physical contact (pushing, shoving, tripping); malicious gossip; racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments; exclusion; extortion; telephone, cell phone and internet abuse; deliberate damage to personal property; physical violence; “outing” — revealing personal information to humiliate or exclude; and cyberbullying.

Social media and bullying frequently involves: sending hurtful, cruel or threatening messages or pictures; defamation of character; posting or sending digitally altered photos or memes intended to harm; posting personal information or embarrassing photos without consent; and impersonation or identity theft online. This is not an exhaustive list.

2. EHS’s Stance on Bullying

As a value-driven school, Edgemead High School embraces the values of respect, integrity, passion, responsibility and the pursuit of excellence. Bullying behaviour does not live up to our values or fall within our Code of Conduct. The school will take all reasonable steps to address such behaviour, striving to provide all learners, staff and visitors with a safe, welcoming learning environment. The school has adopted a zero-tolerance stance, and offenders in proven cases will be subject to the school’s full disciplinary processes, which may include SGB hearings that lead to suspension or expulsion.

Reporting bullying:

• Bullying must be reported to the relevant Grade Head and/or the Counselling Department, who work together and liaise regardless of who the incident is first reported to.
• The Grade Head manages any necessary disciplinary action and may escalate the matter to the Head of Discipline.
• Individuals involved are called in separately to gather more information.
• Mediated sessions with both the victim and the alleged bully may be arranged by the Counselling Department.
• Support is provided to victims, and education and remedial support to the bully, to prevent recurrence.
• If bullying persists, parents will be contacted and included in the support process, with outside organisations recommended where needed.
• Necessary disciplinary procedures follow, at the discretion of the Grade Head and/or Head of Discipline, in consultation with the school’s Discipline Council where necessary.

Roles and responsibilities: the school is responsible for incidents on school grounds during school hours, and teachers should respond proactively to bullying in their class; the school cannot take responsibility for bullying after hours or off-premises, though it may still act if a learner is identifiable as representing EHS. Learners are responsible for reporting incidents to the school and their parents as soon as possible, and may request to remain anonymous. Parents are asked to follow the correct reporting procedure, refrain from confronting alleged bullies directly, and take responsibility for their child’s safety if bullying occurs after hours or online — legal action can be pursued through the local police, though the school cannot be involved in any legal action.

3. Interventions

Bullying is addressed as part of the LO curriculum, and the Counselling Department facilitates Parent Information Evenings once a term to inform and empower parents on relevant adolescent topics, including bullying.

Helpful Resources

• westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/how-handle-bullying
• childlinesa.org.za/children/for-children/issues-affecting-you/bullying
• kidshealth.org/en/parents/bullies

Information about bursaries can be found through the links below:

• edufunding.co.za
• careerhelp.org.za — list of available bursaries
• gostudy.net
• pacecareers.com
• bursaries-southafrica.co.za

NSFAS bursary online applications: 50nsfasapplication.co.za

Every year Edgemead High School hosts a Career Evening, in conjunction with the Cape Career Exhibitors Association, to help learners get a better understanding of their future. A diverse group of exhibitors covering a range of tertiary institutions — from universities to smaller, private training academies — set up stalls, alongside a rotational programme of individual presentations.

It’s an ideal opportunity for Grade 11 and 12 learners to enquire about entrance requirements for institutions in their field of interest, and valuable for Grade 9 learners who will soon make subject choices with future careers in mind.

Details for the next Career Evening will be published closer to the date.

Find out more about international exchange programmes.

Exchange student organisations

• Rotary International Youth Exchange — Colin Jacobs, 021 558 4023 / 084 558 4023, jakeboy@webmail.co.za
• Rotary Exchange Program, District 9350 — Gavin Schachat, +27 21 438 1279, robla717@iafrica.com
• Rotary Club of Bellville — Mrs Pamella Rawbone, +27 82 772 7774, secretary@rotarybellville.org.za

Exchange agencies (these agencies send us students)

• Marcelle-Calvin Thomas — 021 790 5637, marcelle@calvin-thomas.co.za
• Michelle Dutton, You2Africa — 021 790 7782, michelle@you2africa.com
• Claire van het Bolscher & Zaida Julius, Grow Abroad — 021 701 1257, claire@growabroad.co.za
• AFS Interculture South Africa — afs.org, info-southafrica@afs.org
• FSA Youth Exchange — admin@fsa-youthexchange.co.za

Study abroad: Fielde International — guidelines for SA students to study abroad, internationaledu@fielde.net

Study tips for assessments

Avoid exam stress by starting early rather than leaving studying for the last minute:

• Set out a realistic timetable with manageable study slots.
• Organise your study space and minimise distractions (yes, that includes your phone).
• Use assessment outlines, notes and past papers to test yourself.
• Find your study style and work accordingly, breaking work into smaller chunks.
• Summarise in your own words using mind maps, diagrams and visuals.
• Eat well, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.
• Exercise to relieve stress, and remember to breathe — you can do this.

Learning styles

People learn in different ways — some more visual, auditory or tactile than others, often a mix. Understanding your preferred learning style helps you adjust how you study, complete assignments, and adapt when a teacher’s approach doesn’t match how you learn best.

Emergency numbers

• Ambulance — 10177
• N1 Hospital — 021 590 4444
• Bothasig Police — 021 559 9400
• Milnerton Police — 021 528 3800
• Life Line — 086 133 2332
• Child Line — 0800 055 555
• Safe Schools — 0800 45 46 47
• Crime Stop — 086 001 0111
• Hope House counselling — 021 522 9228
• FAMSA counselling — 021 447 0170
• AKESO clinic — 086 143 5787
• Substance Abuse Line — 080 012 1314
• SANCA (substance abuse) — 021 919 9557
• Eating Disorders — 021 938 4571
• Rape Crisis — 021 447 9762
• Karl Bremer Thuthuzela Care Centre — 021 447 1467
• Bothasig Clinic — 021 558 5010
• SADAG (depression) — 011 783 1474
• Anxiety & Depression — 021 763 4500
• Love Life (sexual health) — 0800 121 900
• Suicide Emergency — 0800 567 567

Drug and rehabilitation clinics

• Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre — 021 447 8026
• 24/7 Drug Helpline — 080 043 5748
• Crescent Clinic, Kenilworth — 021 762 7666
• Durbanville Treatment Centre — 021 975 4927
• RAMOT — 021 939 2033

Career guidance

• CPUT (Bellville & Cape Town) — Elizabeth Smit, 021 460 3399, smite@cput.ac.za
• UCT Career Services — 021 650 2497, careers.service@uct.ac.za (Saturday appointments available)
• Stellenbosch University, Centre for Student Recruitment & Career Advice — 021 808 4709, maties@sun.ac.za

Helpful websites

• helpguide.org, childmind.org, webmd.com — emotional and health support
• rapecrisis.org.za — counselling and medical support for rape victims
• adhasa.co.za — ADD/ADHD support
• student-tutor.com — study support
• gostudy.net/sa, sastudy.co.za — career guidance