As a school community, we experience first-hand the hugely positive and far-reaching impact the teaching of Wellbeing has on our students on a daily basis. Wellbeing is prioritised at St. Angela’s College, so students learn more effectively, are happier in their work, believe in themselves, and can see and feel that the school is supporting them.

 

In St. Angela’s College, all Junior Cycle and Transition Year students have timetabled wellbeing lessons. The Nurture 4 Wellbeing Programme builds on the substantial work already taking place in St. Angela’s College in support of students’ wellbeing. The programme provides learning opportunities to enhance the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of our students. It supports students in developing key life skills and in building a strong sense of belonging and connectedness to St. Angela’s College and to their wider community. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of others.

 

The Nurture 4 Wellbeing Programme has grown from the teaching of Wellbeing to Junior Cycle students here in St. Angela’s College. The authors, three St. Angela’s College staff members, have developed a Wellbeing Programme that supports and nurtures student wellbeing. Teachers deliver their wellbeing lessons using Digital Teaching Packs, while students use the accompanying Student Journal.

 

A selection of some of the topics covered across Junior Cycle includes;

• Setting Myself Up in My New School
• Organisational Skills
• Meditation
• Goal Setting
• Resilience
• Gratitude
• CBAs (Preparation, Organisation & Reflective Writing Skills)
• Emotional Intelligence
• Study Planning
• Daily/Weekly Wellbeing Check-in

 

St. Angela’s College began to embed Wellbeing in the school timetable in Sept 2019, and now provides students with 400 hours of wellbeing across the three years of Junior Cycle, ahead of the Dept. of Education and Skills extended deadline of Sept 2022. Supporting students’ wellbeing, so they feel cared for in school, is a key priority.

 

By laying the foundation for individual empowerment, promoting a culture of empathy and kindness and by equipping students with skills to develop and safeguard their own wellbeing, the Nurture 4 Wellbeing Programme creates the foundation for our students to build a strong sense of belonging and a truly resilient self.