Focus on Education March 2021 No.4
It has been so good to have all our students back in school again, and for the corridors to resound with their happy chatter. We have been impressed by their ready willingness to comply with additional measures to keep both our own and the wider community safe, and we are desperately keen to keep them all in school until the end of term.
As part of this return and as part of our wider focus on Wellbeing and the importance of good Mental Health is our monthly reference to the Action for Happiness Calendar. This is displayed on our website and the screens around school as well as being referenced in Assemblies and Form time in conjunction with specific activities, which enhance Mindfulness. Examples of this have been our Lockdown Games, our celebration and raising awareness of Children’s Mental Health Week, our assembly on Kooth https://www.kooth.com/ and the Mental Health Spectrum, and our promotion of Walking for Mental and Physical Wellbeing. Students are now also together enjoying PE, Games and aspects of the more practical subjects in which it has been more difficult to participate at home.
Whilst we continue to aspire to academic excellence and a broad and balanced education, it is vital too that we hone the skills and confidence of our staff in their support of students’ mental health and wellbeing. Staff have received an introduction to Wellbeing and Mental Health Awareness as well as updates as part of our annual CPD programme and our Wellbeing Action Plan. A number of staff have undergone Mental First Aid training, Anxiety support training and Bereavement and Loss training. We are also looking at other CPD and training courses for next academic year through BEP (Birmingham Education Partnership) and via SSS Safeguarding, Training and Assessment.
I would also draw your attention to the ten keys for happier living. This links into our educational philosophy of BLH (Building Learning Habits):
GREAT DREAM – Giving, Relating, Exercise, Awareness, Trying out, Direction, Resilience, Emotions, Acceptance, Meaning.
Please also check out our website at: https://www.handsworth.bham.sch.uk/about-the-school/wellbeing/
All of this reflects our wholehearted and proactive commitment to developing our students as well-rounded human beings – healthy in mind, body and soul – and to supporting and equipping them and their families for life’s challenges. Having a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
Stay well and safe.
Be kind to yourself and each other.
Dr Bird
