Children’s Mental Health Week

Senior School

This week, our school marked Children’s Mental Health Week, embracing the theme “This Is My Place,” which focused on helping every child discover and celebrate their true sense of belonging. Throughout the week, we explored how feeling that we belong plays a vital role in supporting positive mental health. A strong sense of belonging helps children to develop confidence, build resilience in the face of challenges and grow both emotionally and physically. During tutor time, forms engaged with dedicated resources, including a presentation and a short video, to encourage meaningful reflection and discussion. Students were supported to talk openly about what belonging means to them, particularly if they have ever felt that they did not belong. We also reinforced the importance of kindness, inclusion and looking out for one another, empowering those who feel confident to actively create a welcoming environment for others.

Junior School

During Children’s Mental Health Week, pupils across the school have been exploring the importance of wellbeing through both curriculum learning and whole-school assemblies. In Year 6, for example, pupils have been studying the text Skellig, using it as a starting point to discuss themes of friendship, empathy and noticing when someone may need support. Through class discussions, pupils have considered how they might support a friend who is struggling, whether that is by listening, offering reassurance, or staying alongside them. Also, pupils have been encouraged to remember that they could speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about someone. These learning opportunities have reinforced the message that there is no single right way to help, but that being there for each other and taking small, positive actions can make a meaningful difference.

During their breaks, pupils also participated in activities throughout the week, led by the Year 6 wellbeing monitors and the ELSA team. The theme this year was “This Is My Place,” and children were encouraged to think about a special place where they feel safe and happy. We discussed the importance of belonging and learned about one another’s special places. Pupils created their own special places using a range of art materials, which were brought together at the end of the week to form our own shared world. Huge thanks to our committed wellbeing monitors, Liv L., Amelia F. and Leonora P., who are always there to help.