In a shocking incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, teacher Liz Hopkin shares her harrowing experience of being stabbed by a 13-year-old pupil. Liz, along with another teacher and a student, was attacked during break time last year. The pupil, who cannot be named, received a 15-year sentence for attempted murder earlier this year. Liz described the moment as one where “everything stopped” and admits she “could never” return to teaching.
During the trial, CCTV footage captured Liz’s bravery as she intervened to help a colleague, sustaining severe injuries in the process. The attacker had a fascination with weapons and brought a blade with the intent to harm. Despite a promise from her father to check her bags, the pupil carried a weapon every day.
Reflecting on the traumatic event, Liz says her main goal was to protect the children, even as she faced grave danger. She emphasises the need for action to prevent such incidents, stressing that lessons from the case must not be ignored.
A recent multi-agency review revealed the girl’s interest in war memorabilia, noting that she could have benefited from targeted intervention. The report called for improved communication and collaboration among agencies to ensure that potential warning signs are addressed promptly.
In response, local authorities and the Welsh Government reaffirm their commitment to learning from this tragic event and enhancing strategies to tackle behavioural issues in schools. The community of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is praised for its resilience in the face of adversity, with support systems in place to ensure the well-being of its students and staff.
It’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies, and Liz hopes her story will lead to meaningful change. Share your thoughts on how schools can better protect students and staff in the comments.