Millfield prep school’s new wellbeing curriculum is making a positive impact on pupils a year after it was launched in September 2021 with 81% of pupils saying it has improved their mental health.
It was introduced to educate pupils about mental health and wellbeing following the Covid pandemic. It provides a safe environment for pupils to express themselves through a range of interactive activities whilst removing the stigma surrounding mental health.
The activities include yoga, soul food, movement to music, self-care, alfresco pursuits, and meditation which were all implemented within a new timetable for year seven and eight.
I have found the new wellbeing curriculum really fun and enlightening
New head, Dan Thornburn embraced the initiative of former head Shirley Shayler: “This initiative has been a huge success. If we can remove children’s barriers to learning, they are more likely to achieve their potential. Mental health is one of these barriers and is something that some children may not even be aware of. This new curriculum proactively teaches our pupils both how to identify symptoms of poor wellbeing within themselves or their friends, and to empower them by providing them with the skills to improve their wellbeing. We have made it normal to talk about and actively participate in ways to address any issues pupils might be facing, and this is refreshing to see within a school environment.”
93% of 160 year 7 and 8 pupils say they have enjoyed the new scheme. Year 8 Bertie said, “I have found the new wellbeing curriculum really fun and enlightening.” Others said they are ‘thinking about their mind more’, ‘feeling relaxed, calmed and soothed’ and it is ‘building their self-confidence’.
Children now have strategies on how to cope with busy schedules and recognise when they have too much on and seek help to reduce load or manage their commitments.
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