TO help to support good mental wellbeing, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has created various ways to ensure students know the importance of ‘checking in’ with themselves and talking about their feelings.
The school has set up a mailbox dedicated to students who simply wish to talk. The mailbox is available to all students who might need a bit of support, a friendly chat or something more robust in which case this will be passed to the appropriate member of staff to support the students. Head of RS and Personal Development, Mrs Kate Coleclough commented: “Stress and anxiety can be a hindrance to progress so we are putting in place another layer of support for students to access if they feel they would benefit.”
The school has also produced a termly wellbeing newsletter – the latest issue includes information about returning to school, and how to support a friend with their mental health. The newsletter includes many resources and exercises to better mental wellbeing.
The school has also put in place a wellbeing support program for Year 11 students, to help them prepare for the teacher-assessed grades they will receive in the summer. The support programme includes daily morning sessions, focussing on different techniques and strategies to relieve stress and work on wellbeing.
Monday: ‘it’s good to talk’ – a session to offload any worries and set targets for the week ahead and plan for mental health/wellbeing support – if and when required.
Tuesday: ‘stress busting’ – a focus on techniques to soothe stress and anxiety
Wednesday: ‘relaxation and mindfulness’ – looking at ways to take care of yourself including using apps like headspace
Thursday: ‘calm space’ where we can take time out to be quiet and meditate/reflect and do some calming exercises
Friday: ‘FGF reflect and act’ where we can look at the positives from the week and think of ways to pay it forward (if we can) and how we are moving forward.
Mrs Coleclough sadded: “After a rather turbulent year of lockdowns, quarantines, isolations and health scares, students have returned to school in good spirits and are determined to not let the pandemic hinder their progress.”
