Adapting the existing well-being curriculum in the Secondary school
During VSE, our existing student well-being provisions and the well-being curriculum in the Secondary school have been adapted to provide support that is tailored to this environment.
Form Tutors provide daily support and monitoring of each student’s well-being. As part of VSE, Secondary students have been starting each day with tutor time at 08:30 am. In these morning sessions, tutors ensure that students are supported, organised and ready for a day of learning.
During virtual school, core topics from the Well-being Curriculum including Health & Self Development, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World have been timetabled for Years 7-11. These topics have been accompanied by sessions on good sleep habits, balancing time online with other activities, and maintaining healthy habits and an active lifestyle. Students have also learnt how to develop skills which are important for their well-being, such as Emotional Literacy and Mindfulness techniques. Activities have been taking place in form groups, assemblies and year group events. Complementing these activities are a range of well-being resources available on the Student Intranet.
In addition to the tutor-led Wellness Curriculum, the Student Mental Health Team has been providing a range of support structures for their peers. This includes social media posts around the topic of mental health, as well as developing specific activities such as the upcoming gratitude activity.
Parents also have an important role to play in student well-being, which we explored as part of our presentation to parents on ‘Supporting Students During Virtual Learning’. The aim of the presentation was to provide support and information to parents on topics such as; the foundations of well-being, managing screen time and digital devices, creating quiet and calm work areas.
Finally, the pastoral care team has been providing additional guidance and resources for students and teachers alike. Students were provided with weekly top tips on managing different aspects of virtual learning, while teachers were trained on supporting students who may experience anxiety when school reopens. Years 10, 12 and 13 students have watched a video on reflection and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and there is also an upcoming webcast for students on managing their anxiety.
While attending school virtually can be a challenging time for students, we’ve been delighted to see a high level of engagement in our wellbeing initiatives from students and parents alike.
Emily Clark (Year 3 Teacher & PSHE Leader), Craig Driver (Phase 3 Leader) & Matt Greenwood (Guidance Counsellor)