This term students have been exploring the topic of Mental Health & Wellbeing. All students check-in at the start of every lesson and record how they are feeling. The purpose of this is to help them to develop self regulation.

Students in year 7 have learnt about our primitive responses of flight fright and freeze and the effects they can have of the body. We have looked at the stress bucket metaphor as a way of identifying causes of stress and how much stress we experience. Students have looked at strategies, such as the five pillars or wellbeing, can act as taps to help us to relieve stress. The five pillars of wellbeing are: connect, take notice, learn, be active and give.  Some groups have engaged in an activity which supports these pillars of wellbeing and have played Jenga. Each block has a sentence that the student needs to finish before placing it on top of the tower. It has been a great tool to find out more about our students!

Year 8 students have built on their Year 7 work and have learnt about the importance of sleep hygiene. Many students knew that poor sleep can affect mood and behaviour, but lots were surprised to learn that a lack if sleep can prevent memories being saved and so can impact on how much of our work we can recall.

Year 9 students have looked at unhealthy strategies – those that can offer some relief but lead to harm. These can include self harm and eating disorders. Students have learnt possible signs that someone may be using a false tap (an unhealthy coping strategy) and how they can support someone who has an eating disorder.

Year 10 students have explored the impact of negative thinking patterns and some common types of poor mental health. They have learnt about different strategies and have been introduced to the cognitive behaviour triangle. This emphasises that we can achieve better outcomes if we reframe our thinking. Students have been reminded of the different strategies and have learnt about treatments that can help those suffering with poor mental health.

Year 11 students have been watched a documentary called ‘Our Silent Emergency’ which explores the topic of suicide. Students are reminded of how important it is to talk to some if you are struggling. Students have also learnt about the ‘ask twice’ initiative. Also known as the ‘two ok’, the initiative encourages people to ask others if they are ok twice to prompt the person to be honest and tell them how they really are.

Sixth Form students have revisited possible signs and symptoms of poor mental health. Year 12 students have completed a course offered by Zero Suicide alliance which offers some guidance on how to support someone who is struggling.

Next term, students will be exploring the topic of diversity.

All year groups will revisit Protected Characteristics and learn about the purpose of the Equality Act. Students will be reflecting on the Jo Cox quote “we have more in common than  that which divides us” and will be using the Pyramid of Hate to explore the harm of stereotypes. Students will also learn how to identify discrimination and how it can be challenged and reported.  Year 7 students will be revisiting puberty and will learn about the changes that happen to different sexes. They will also have the opportunity to consider how we should only fear things that cause harm. One example of this is FGM (Female Genital Mutilation). Students will learn what FGM is, how it can be reported and what the penalties are.

An overview of the PSHE curriculum can be found on our roadmap. If you require further information, please contact a member of the PSHE team. cowens@deepings.anthemtrust.uk  ebates@deepings.athemtrust.uk