Hummersea Headstarters have worked really hard this year achieving their Bronze award. For their Silver project they identified that they would like to create a sensory garden in their school grounds. A bench where students can sit and relax or catch up with friends and chat. As one of the students said ‘A calming space that can be used to chill from extreme pressures of the day’. Planting flowers and plants that have a calming feeling, such as lavender. Painting plant pots with bright happy colours.
The Headstarters recognised how important a relaxing space would be for the school and they put together a letter to their Headteacher to advise of their ideas.
The sensory garden is now complete, and a perfect opportunity to sit outside in the sunshine, relax, and enjoy this beautiful weather. This garden can be appreciated by the next generation of students who attend Hummersea, making this a sustainable project.
Well Done Hummersea Headstarters!!!
“Time spent in the garden is an investment in your mental wellbeing; every moment outdoors can bring a little more calm, clarity, and connection.”
Beverley School –
For the past few months I have been working with students at Beverley school, which is always a pleasure.
We have been focusing on –
- online safety – identifying what is safe/not safe to share regarding personal information, identify strong/weak passwords, creating an online safety checklist, and what to do if anything feels wrong,
- social media and appropriate use – being aware of our own language and identifying what is kind v unkind communication,
- peer pressures – giving the students scenarios and independently deciding whether it is ‘pressure’ or ‘choice’.
The sessions have included more movement for the scenarios, group discussions, and creative tasks. This has allowed all students to participate, stay engaged, hopefully has been more enjoyable and has enhanced their learning.
“Online safety is essential for young people because it helps them explore, learn and connect with confidence, while protecting their wellbeing, privacy and future opportunities.”
Bankfields School –
I have recently completed the Headstart Tuff Tees intervention with a group of boys at Bankfields Primary School. It was identified that the boys might benefit from some Headstart support. Tuff Tees focuses on boys mental health, challenging stereotypes and exploring positive role models. We created a safe and comfortable space to allow the boys to talk about how they were feeling and their understandings of mental health. We discussed the stereotypes of boys and girls and how we felt about this, without judgements. The boys communicated well with each other, and listened, they also supported each other. We did a creative session were the boys drew their self-care toolboxes and identified what coping strategies work for them, such as – getting enough sleep, eating good food, exercising, playing footy with mates.
Reall good work boys and good luck with your transitions to your Secondary schools.
“It’s important to talk about boys’ mental health because early conversations can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and remind every boy that he doesn’t have to face challenges alone.”
Published: July 13