Wellbeing


Pupil wellbeing and attainment


Wellbeing activities such as yoga, music, breathing techniques and good nutrition can help create pupils who are ready to learn. Giles Bryant explores the link between wellbeing and attainment and looks at some case studies of wellbeing practices in action


T


he Olympics has shown us many wonderful examples of human attainment. At school we want our children to achieve their own “gold” in everything they do and the same principles of success


applied by top athletes can help schools to maximise their potential. Many athletes have a team around them helping to train their bodies,


develop best practice in their events, ensure they are getting optimum nutrition and, through sports psychology, improving focus and positive mental attitude. We could view raising attainment in schools in the same way. For


schools to achieve their best they have to ensure children exercise regularly, develop skills in their subjects, have the best nutritional food and – like an athlete – have a positive outlook through emotional and mental wellbeing. Wellbeing is an important buzzword in education and the links between wellbeing and attainment are strong.


Wellbeing and attainment A child’s wellbeing is fundamental in their ability to learn. Wellbeing is about health and happiness but also achieving our best. It is worth repeating Ofsted’s statement to schools: “Children’s wellbeing and


“We sing every day. It’s physical and gets you awake and ready, your body warmed up and brain filled with oxygen. ”


happiness in school underpin their attainment and achievement in school.” Several questions arise from this. How and why does wellbeing and


happiness underpin attainment? Can simple practices like five-minute wellbeing exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, music and good nutrition help schools raise achievement? How can schools implement such practices simply and effectively? While the focus of this article is on children’s wellbeing, it should


be remembered that the wellbeing of staff is of great importance to a school’s achievement as well (see Staff Wellbeing is Key to School Success, Birbeck College 2007). Implementing wellbeing practices can raise attainment in schools in


two ways: First by boosting positive qualities that assist learning and second by helping overcome negative traits that restrict achievement.


Wellbeing practices can help to develop: n Concentration and focus. n Higher levels of energy. n Confidence and resilience. n Self-esteem and happiness. n Peace and calm. n Listening skills. n A positive outlook. n Outside learning.


Wellbeing In Schools & Wellbeing For Attainment Developed in partnership with teaching professionals we provide:


Wellbeing Classroom Sessions Children and staff learn our 5-minute Wellbeing Exercises,


breathing games, meditation, songs and music for optimum wellbeing. Staff Training


Sh


Showing staff ways to integrate wellbeing practices in the classroom. Providing staff with ways to keep them healthy and reduce stress.


The Resource Pack for School Wellbeing


After 3 years of research and development we are pleased to announce the launch of our Resource Pack - a complete tool-kit for wellbeing. Includes 1 DVD, 2 CDs, 2 Booklets of detailed guidance on implementing wellbeing and12 lesson plans incorporating song words, sheet music, and ideas


FREE TRIAL RESOURCE PACK please contact


Giles & Juliette Bryant 01799 521966 info@worldhealingproject.com www.wellbeinginschools.com


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and ideas to explore wellbeing and the world spiritual traditions in class. For more information, bookings or to request our


Wellbeing can help to overcome: n Poor attention. n Tiredness. n Lack of belief in your abilities to succeed. n Fidgeting. n Self-harming, bullying. n Disruption in class, anger, frustration, depression. n Talking too much or out of turn. n Fear, lack of self-worth, pessimism. It is obvious that children who manifest the qualities in the first list will


have a better chance of learning than pupils who manifest those in the second and there is a growing body of research showing the benefits of wellbeing practices in education (see boxout on page 30).


Case studies In 2009, Riverside Primary School in Rotherhithe, London, topped the SAT league tables for state primaries in London. Before taking their tests, pupils were all offered a good breakfast followed by a session of breathing exercises and relaxation led by a yoga teacher. The school achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in English, maths and science. In 2010, the BBC featured the story of Sam and Sunita Poddar who are


taking yoga and breathing techniques into schools in Scotland. Quarry Brae Primary in Glasgow is one school that has benefited. Headteacher


Continued on page 30


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