Caring students, staff and community came together for five days from 12 November to take part in Stockland Green School’s second ‘Wellbeing Week.’

Student wellbeing and their understanding of the world around them is incredibly important and as such an innovative and ambitious programme was arranged for students. Underpinning this was the theme of ‘Respect’ which linked together the centenary of Armistice Day with the national Ant-bullying campaign.

Deputy headteacher, Rebecca Goode, said: “Nothing is more important to us than our students’ wellbeing. A happy student is a productive student.”

Years 7, 8 and 9 all took part in a rotation of activities which included designing and painting happiness rocks with messages for the lucky people who find them.

Students took part in mental health and wellbeing workshops with the Health Exchange to reinforce the message that students must look after themselves and seek support if they are in difficulties. Year 9 teaching and learning leader, Corey Holder, said: “I feel safe and secure at Stockland Green School and now I know there is lots of support out there if I should ever need it.”

Students also learned about what a Rights Respecting school is and does and learned about where the convention of rights for children came from and what it means to them. They also took part in ‘Stop and Search’ workshops with the police as well as ‘Prevent’ workshops about antiterrorism.

Year 9 and 10 students were treated to an inspirational lecture from Hezron from the NCS who wowed students with his own story in which he was able to turn a corner from his troubled adolescence to a successful and happy adult life.

Female students worked with the Precious Trust to raise their aspirations and male students  met Alison Cope, the mother of a victim of knife crime, to reinforce the message about making positive choices and the real and serious consequences of making the wrong choices.

Meanwhile, Year 10 were busy preparing themselves for the world of work. Year 10 student and form ambassador, Anna Sazuze, said: “The interview made me feel really proud and increased my confidence in presenting myself. The feedback on my CV will help me to make my CV stand out for future employers.”

Assistant headteacher and careers leader, Rachel Hill, said: “Our students did themselves proud and really impressed the many employers who met them today.”

All Year 8 to 11 students had the chance to browse our busy careers fair and meet a wide variety of providers. Many Year 11s took advantage of going to the Skills Show at the NEC but for those that didn’t, the Aim Higher Dome brought an interactive careers experience to Stockland Green sports hall! Students considered their personal skills and attributes and worked on mapping out their possible careers paths.

Warm thanks must be given to Mrs R Kalia, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure students had a wonderful experience.

Headteacher, Mrs George, said: “Our students deserve the very best and we believe that they have had a first class experience this week which will help prepare them for their futures. We are already looking forward to our Spring Wellbeing Week!”