Health Promoting Schools

Mental health

Photographs of a secondary-aged girl and a smiling teacher and boy

Within the emotional health strand of health education, pupils should develop skills to reinforce their acceptance of the following tenets:

  • I am special
  • I can do things well
  • I am liked
  • I should take care of myself.      

They should learn to:

  • recognise and name feelings
  • think about what they are good at
  • set simple goals
  • identify some feelings around friendship
  • recognise the special people in their lives, who can help them.      

Feelings, family, friendship

While learning about feelings, family and friendship, pupils should learn:

  • the nature of bullying and how it feels
  • to tell a trusted person when they are bullied
  • to know who can help them
  • what jealousy looks and feels like
  • that name calling can be hurtful
  • that poor communication can cause misunderstandings
  • the responsibilities and benefits of being a friend
  • that relaxation can help combat stress.      

As pupils progress through the spiral curriculum, they should investigate the impact of behaviour and pressures on their relationships, feelings and self-confidence. They should:

  • recognise that peer and media influences can affect the choices they make
  • understand the importance of thinking for themselves
  • show ways in which they can deal with change.      

Coping with loss

Pupils have to be helped to view loss and grief as part of the human experience. They need to recognise that loss, as with other changes in life, brings strong feelings, and that expressing their sadness and grief is an important way of coming to terms with a loss.

Seasons for Growth is a successful education programme that gives young people and adults the opportunity to learn that change, loss and grief are normal and valuable parts of life. The programme provides participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and manage their individual experiences. 

Originating in Australia, it can only be implemented by teachers who have undergone training. This is now available by contacting the the UK coordinator for the programme at:

The Notre Dame Centre
20 Athole Gardens
Glasgow
G12 9BA
Telephone: 0141 339 2366.

Resources

Find practical resources on mental health using our Resources search. It features details of a wide range of resources including the following:

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