Know yourself, grow yourself
You may be aware that it is Children’s Mental Health Week, and we have been holding various events in school to support our pupils’ wellbeing: an assembly led by pupils in our Change Group; mindfulness colouring; stress ball making; very popular cupcake decorating; clay modelling of ‘Inside Out’ characters; and discussions about how we feel led by Sixth Formers in the Foyer. Our new Wellbeing Room has buzzed with happy activity, and I have been delighted to see older pupils working alongside our wellbeing staff and keen to make a difference for those lower down the school. Some of this has been based on Walt Disney’s animation, ‘Inside Out’, and the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’: understanding who we are can support resilience, growth and development.
On Monday, pupils in Y11 to Y13 will receive a presentation from Evan and Carol Grant, parents of Cameron, a former pupil of mine who tragically took his own life while at university. The Cameron Grant Memorial Trust (www.camgrant.org.uk) supports mental health in young people, with a very clear message: “There is always someone you can talk to.” Cameron, like many young men, bottled up his feelings and didn’t seek help; no-one, not even his parents or university friends, knew that he was suffering from depression. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 and the biggest killer of men under the age of 50. As a headteacher, I worry more those who might be harbouring and not sharing their anxieties than about those we are supporting who have known needs.
Our pastoral care these days is far more proactive than reactive. We want our young people to develop positive mental and physical health so that, where possible, we can avoid problems or concerns increasing in gravity or intensity. Hence the importance of encouraging our pupils to share any concerns and to seek support at an early stage. Hence too our emphasis on sport, music, drama, outdoor pursuits, spiritual development (including mindfulness) and community. We hope that all of these help them to achieve balance in their lives, to cope with pressures and setbacks and to enjoy positive and happy interactions with those around them.
Of course, some of this is ‘easier said than done’, as our mental health can be affected in many different ways, and at different stages of our lives. However, the message is clear: positive mental health is not just for Children’s Mental Health Week, so please encourage healthy habits at home too, aim to keep lines of communication open and do not hesitate to contact us if you have concerns about your child.
Best wishes,
John Watson
Headmaster and Principal