Personal Development and Wellbeing

At Harris Academy St John's Wood, we place a strong emphasis on the personal growth, wellbeing, and safety of our students. Our sixth formers benefit from a comprehensive programme that equips them with the skills needed to navigate life beyond school, manage stress, and foster positive relationships. Here's an overview of how we support our students.

Wellbeing and Personal Development Programme (PSHE)
Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) curriculum focuses on developing the whole person. It is carefully structured around four key themes to support students during their sixth form experience:

Health and Wellbeing
- Stress and Time Management: Helping students manage their time effectively, stay motivated, and deal with anxiety.
- Mental Health Awareness: Exploring how to manage negative thoughts, understand depression, and develop relaxation techniques.
- Physical Wellbeing: Providing guidance on looking after physical health during exams, registering with a GP, and understanding sexual health and consent.

Relationships and Emotional Support
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Sessions aimed at building emotional awareness and promoting empathy in relationships.
- Sexual Health and Consent: In-depth discussions around consent, gender equality, and healthy boundaries through workshops and peer-led sessions.
- Gender-based violence: We partner with Bold Voices, leaders in empowering young people to challenge gender inequality and gender-based violence. They provide workshops for Year 12 and follow up workshops for Year 13:
- A deeper understanding of gender inequalities in society and how they can challenge harmful norms.
- Practical strategies to promote gender equality and advocate for safer environments in both schools and workplaces.
- Tools to recognize and prevent gender-based violence, equipping students with the confidence to navigate relationships in a safe, respectful way.

Careers and Life Beyond School
- UCAS and Apprenticeship Guidance: Tailored support for university applications, apprenticeships, CV writing, and exploring career opportunities.
- Financial Literacy: Covering essential financial topics such as student loans, budgeting, taxes, and interest rates.
- Career Development: Access to work experience opportunities, career open days, and expert guidance on navigating the job market.

Community and Responsibility
- British Values and Cultural Diversity: Promoting understanding of British values, community cohesion, and celebrating cultural diversity.
- Safety and Prevent: Educating students on critical safety issues such as extremism, cyber security, and online safety.
- Social Responsibility: Lessons that empower students to actively contribute to their community and understand their responsibilities as global citizens.

Safeguarding Team Support
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. Our safeguarding team provides:
- Confidential Guidance: Support for students dealing with personal issues, whether related to school life or challenges at home.
- Proactive Safety Measures: Workshops and guidance on topics like online safety, peer pressure, radicalisation, and grooming, helping students recognize and respond to potential dangers.
- A Safe School Environment: We ensure that any concerns about student welfare are handled quickly and effectively, so all students feel secure and supported.
- We encourage students to approach the safeguarding team for help with any concerns. Their safety, both physical and emotional, is at the forefront of everything we do.

Supporting Student Wellbeing
In addition to safeguarding, we offer a wide range of initiatives to promote mental and emotional wellbeing:
- Relaxation Techniques: Practical exercises in mindfulness, calmness, and relaxation to help students manage their stress levels.
- Managing Worries: Tools and strategies to deal with negative thoughts and maintain emotional balance.
- Expert-Led Discussions: Topics led by professionals, from gender equality to online safety, ensure that students have the information they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Health Initiatives
Our collaboration with external health organisations, such as the NHS DISCOVER programme, helps students learn to manage their emotions and maintain their mental and physical health. Regular workshops on health and wellbeing ensure that students are well-prepared to face the pressures of sixth form life and beyond.

Our PSHE, safeguarding, and wellbeing programmes aim to support students not just academically but holistically. With a focus on emotional resilience, financial literacy, personal relationships, and future planning, we help students make informed decisions and approach adulthood with confidence.