“Students need education to include how to understand, and look after, their mental health – just like we learn how to look after our physical health.”Sarah Brennan, Chief Executive, YoungMinds
Our Approach
Our approach to the wellbeing and pastoral care of pupils is underpinned by positive psychology and the PERMA model of wellbeing created by Dr Martin Seligman – psychologist, educator and author.
Whole School programme
By using the PERMA model we have created a whole school programme that builds from our Nursery all the way to Year 8.
The beginnings of emotional understanding and self-care are nurtured in the Pre-Prep.
In our Middle Years, pupils focus on discovering a deeper understanding of their emotions and who they are.
In our Senior Years, pupils consolidate their understanding of their own mental health and wellbeing and refine the strategies and thought processes they have developed to lead happy, flourishing lives.
“The skills of becoming happy turn out to be almost entirely different from the skills of not being sad, not being anxious, or not being angry.”Martin Seligman - psychologist, educator and author
The Building Blocks of our Programmes
| Nurture (EYFS-Year 2) | Discover (Years 3-5) | Flourish (Years 6-8) |
|---|---|---|
| Roots Programme | Shoots Programme | RISE Programme |
| Positive Psychology Approach | Positive Psychology Approach | Positive Psychology Approach |
| Stimulates Positive Emotions | Stimulates Positive Emotions | Stimulates Positive Emotions |
| Encourages Gratitude | Identifies character strengths | Fosters self esteem |
| Helps pupils identify feelings | Builds resilience | Promotes positive mind-sets |
| Promotes self-belief | Develops Empathy | Cultivates emotional intelligence |
| Nurtures Positive relationships | Nourishes connection | Supports positive mental health |
The RISE strands
Resilience and Responsibility (developing leadership skills)
Intelligence (analytical, creative and emotional) and Interpersonal Skills
Self-discipline and Social Responsibility (locally as well as in the wider environment)
Emotional Wellbeing (being happy and confident)
Roots, Shoots & RISE
Our Roots, Shoots and RISE programmes reflect the research that half of British young people’s mental health conditions develop before the age of 14, correlating with them having to navigate more complex social situations and take more responsibility for the choices they make as they get older. Features of our programmes include;
- The Retreat – a dedicated space to focus on wellbeing
- 1:1 personal coaching sessions with a school counsellor
- Pupil-led ‘hot choc and talk’ sessions – to discuss and reflect on current issues
- Daily reflection of ‘3 good things’ – to reframe the mind
- Tissues & Issues Box – a discreet way to offer targeted support
- The RISE diploma – acknowledging character development and commitment to owning their wellbeing
- Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions
- Parent Tea & Talks
PSHE and RSE
Our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme, as well as our Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum, prepare pupils for life and for growing up, as well as navigating, a rapidly changing world. Sessions are taught weekly by the Form Tutor, which facilitates pupils feeling they are in a safe space to talk openly and ask questions of someone they know and have built a positive relationship with.
"The RISE programme has helped me understand how important it is to look after my mental health and wellbeing. I’d never really thought much about it before."Year 7 pupil and world challenger
The Impact
of pupils successfully passing their Pupil Wellbeing Ambassador Training
of Year 8 pupils achieving their RISE diploma
of pupils reporting to have enjoyed participating in the RISE programme
of pupils tracked as being happier than they were when they started our wellbeing curriculum
