Mrs Pullinger (English Teacher)

Last week, Year 10 students were given an assembly about mindfulness, emphasising the importance of looking after their mental wellbeing during both a global pandemic and the challenges of starting their GCSE courses.

The students learnt about how MSDs (Micro Stress Doses) impact their day-to-day lives, without them even realising it, and were introduced to strategies they can apply to minimise these. Students were encouraged to generate positive affirmations, reframe situations to consider how their individual experiences can be viewed with a wider perspective, and practise a process of gratitude every evening in order to reflect on the positives of each day.

Having been inspired by the assembly, several Year 10 students attended Mindfulness Club on Friday lunchtime. The girls revisited their youth by playing with playdough and even engaged in a mini competition to see who could model the most impressive animal! Initially, they were enthused by the prospect of engaging in what is typically considered to be quite a childish activity but after the excitement had died down the students relaxed into the activity.

The students found it very soothing to keep their hands busy whilst chatting with their friends, allowing the worries of the day to drift away. They commented on how much they enjoyed the session and promised they would be returning next week for some mindfulness colouring!