Samurai lessons to beat bullying

The lessons focus on the Samurai code of honour

Children at a Teesside school are being taught the code of the ancient Samurai to help them combat bullies.

Year eight pupils at Stockton's Ian Ramsey Church of England School have been studying the history of the Japanese warriors.

They are learning about the Samurai's code of conduct based on respect, honesty and personal responsibility.

It is hoped that the children will be inspired to create their own code, including a healthy respect for others.

The project is a partnership between the school and Hartlepool Council's Heritage and Museums Service.

The pupils will also visit Hartlepool's Art Gallery, where they will come face-to-face with an original suit of Samurai armour.

Naomi Beeley, of the council's museum service, said: "Contrary to the popular impression of the Samurai as violent warriors, they had a highly developed code of conduct based on respect, honesty and personal responsibility.

"Those values are just as important today. Using the Samurai as an example, we hope the young people will be inspired to develop and spread their own code of honour, including a healthy respect for other people."