Mental Health and Wellbeing
At St Bede’s Catholic High School, we adopt a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. We want all pupils to flourish into the best version of themselves and ‘bear fruit’ and we know the importance of promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all pupils. We are committed to developing pupils’ social and emotional skills and we are ready to help those who are having difficulties to get the support that they need.
When children and young people have good levels of wellbeing it helps them to:
- feel, express and manage positive and negative emotions
- form and maintain good relationships with others
- cope with, and manage, change, setbacks and uncertainty
- develop and thrive.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Map
Curriculum & Routines
We place mental health and wellbeing at the centre of school life. Form time includes a prayer and wellbeing activity that takes place bi-weekly and faith and pastoral assemblies focus termly on key themes. The Personal Development curriculum includes the Health and Wellbeing branch, delivered by a team of dedicated, trained teachers so that all pupils have an opportunity to learn about how to keep themselves physically and emotionally healthy.
Click here to view the Personal Development Curriculum Map
Mental Health Week
Every year we celebrate Mental Health Week at St Bede’s Catholic High School. This year, Mental Health Week took place in October and staff and pupils got fully involved and embraced the theme, ‘Hello Yellow’. MTYG & Just Think pupils led assemblies all week and shared their experiences of the programme and their own personal journeys. Staff and pupils proudly wore yellow in solidarity. Miss Noon led creative wellbeing workshops with Year 7 classes to give them time to reflect on positive mental thinking.
Support
The pastoral team are always ready to support pupils who are going through a difficult time. We have a range of support on offer:
- key staff members are trained in mental health first aid
- draw and talk sessions
- Merlin the emotional support dog
- Make Talk Your Goal & Just think pupil groups click here for more information
- A dedicated space, The Learning Support Base, so pupils know where to go when they need support.
The WEB Committee
We know that pupil voice plays a huge role in supporting pupil well-being. The Wellbeing and Ethos Committee at St Bede’s (WEB) meets after school with the Senior Mental Health Lead to discuss key issues, raise concerns and shape provision by providing feedback on policy, provision and curriculum.
Pupil Support
At St Bede’s we understand that it can be difficult to talk to someone about your worries and feelings. We have a number of trained staff members who are ready to listen, so do not let things overwhelm you, speak to a staff member and we can work together to help you.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Directory for Parents, Carers and students
Parent Support
At Bede’s we work in partnership with parents and carers to support our pupils and their families and to promote emotional health and wellbeing. We understand that parents and carers often need help and advice so that they can provide support at home. Please contact your child’s Head of Year or a member of the safeguarding team if you need further guidance, advice or support.
At parentzone.org.uk you will find a a collection of articles, tips, expert advice and resources designed to help parents keep up with what their children are doing on-line.Parent Info is a free service for schools aimed to provide expert information to help children and young people stay safe online.
