Sixth Form Wellbeing

Mental health

Being a young person in today’s society comes with some challenges. According to figures based on the research carried out by mind UK. 1 in 4 of us either knows someone who has experienced some level of mental health issue or has had a mental health concern themselves. At Harris Academy Greenwich, we make every effort to help our students get a work/ life balance, so they maintain a positive outlook and can cope with the demands of sixth form life.

We have fully trained MBSR staff who offer a six-week programme for students on how they can manage stress. This programme has proven to be so successful that we have now trained several students to deliver the same service to their peers.  During this programme students will learn how to identify stress at its earliest point. They are given tools such as mindful breathing, meditation and journaling and mindful colouring to help them manage and regulate day to day stress levels. All students are encouraged to download varying mindfulness apps such as Headspace and Calm, which promotes an independent approach in assisting and maintaining mental health. We have a fully trained school nurse and counsellor on-site who can identify and work with those students that need additional support.

 

Pastoral Support

Pastoral support is offered at varying levels, and we take student wellbeing very seriously. Fortunately, we are able to provide an excellent service which allows our students to feel safe, listened to and valued. As a fully trained coach, our Pastoral Manager can offer emotional support to those students who may be struggling with the initial transition from Year 11 to Year 12. The service is an open-door policy and students can drop in to speak about any issue that may be of concern to them. She also helps to co-ordinate events that take place within the sixth form community and helps to promote any initiatives that the students wish to pursue.