Student wellbeing is crucial for the holistic development of young people. Fostering a positive environment in schools not only supports students’ academic success but also boosts their confidence, autonomy, self-esteem, and ability to form healthy relationships with peers and adults. By emphasising wellbeing, schools can create a community where every student feels valued and connected, which is essential for both their present and future lives.
This topic is particularly relevant for school principals and teachers who shape the educational landscape in their classrooms and beyond. As key stakeholders in the education sector, their role in promoting student wellbeing is vital for nurturing a supportive learning environment.
In this post, we’ll explain why student wellbeing is important, discuss ways to include and enhance it in schools, and provide two evidence-based examples for implementing a student wellbeing programme effectively.
What is student wellbeing, and why does it matter?
Student wellbeing includes both mental and physical health, emotional safety, a sense of belonging, purpose, achievement and success. Wellbeing initiatives help tailor education to meet each student’s unique needs. They form the basis of a well-rounded education that recognises and builds on individual strengths. The goals are to support personal, social, and academic growth; understand different student interests and abilities to adjust teaching methods; prevent school failure with high-quality teaching; and encourage a spirit of inclusion and tolerance. An essential part of these initiatives is helping students manage their emotions, as they often need guidance in handling their feelings in the school environment.
Wellbeing is a crucial outcome of 21st-century education. Schools should include targets in their curriculum to help students adopt a healthy lifestyle and learn how to prevent or cope with health issues. When schools focus on student wellbeing, they promote personal, social, and academic growth. These initiatives aim to prevent school failure with high-quality teaching and encourage inclusion and tolerance.
There is a strong link between wellbeing and academic achievement. With increasing academic pressure and the challenges of anxiety and depression, especially following the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for schools to prioritise student wellbeing.
Students with a higher sense of wellbeing tend to perform better in school and later in life. They are more likely to succeed in employment, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute positively to society. Schools play an essential role in supporting kids in making healthy life choices and understanding the consequences of their actions.
How to include student wellbeing
Make students feel valued
It’s essential for students to feel valued for who they are. Acknowledging their individuality and contributions helps them understand that school and life have meaning and purpose. Encourage students to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the classroom, and provide positive feedback to reinforce their unique qualities and achievements.
Create a welcoming environment
Develop a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels safe and supported. This includes ensuring that school policies promote inclusivity and respect for diversity. Make sure that classrooms and common areas are designed to be accessible and inviting for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.
Offer one-on-one meetings
Provide students with opportunities for individual meetings where they can discuss their concerns, challenges, and successes in a private and supportive environment. These personal sessions allow students to feel more comfortable sharing their issues and achievements, fostering a sense of trust and support.
Promote a positive classroom climate
A positive classroom climate and school culture are crucial for student wellbeing. Teachers should model kindness, empathy, and respect in their interactions with students and encourage the same behaviours among students. Establishing clear expectations and consistent routines can also help create a sense of security and predictability.
Foster a sense of belonging
Cultivate a sense of belonging by encouraging students to participate in school activities and clubs. Highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and provide opportunities for students to work together on projects and assignments. Recognising and celebrating the achievements of individual students and groups can further strengthen their connection to the school community.
Partner with parents
Work with parents to build a strong partnership in supporting student wellbeing. Regular communication between school and home can help ensure that students receive consistent messages about the importance of wellbeing. Invite parents to participate in school events and activities, and provide resources and support to help them promote wellbeing at home.
Enhance Infrastructure
Make sure the school infrastructure is friendly and cosy. Comfortable and inviting spaces can make a significant difference in how students feel at school. Consider incorporating natural light, comfortable seating, and areas where students can relax and recharge.
Offer healthy options in the cafeteria
Providing healthy food options in the school cafeteria is an important aspect of student wellbeing. Nutritious meals can help students maintain their physical health and energy levels throughout the day. Collaborate with nutritionists to design menus that offer a variety of healthy choices.
Teach social and emotional skills
Incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum. Teaching students skills such as empathy, self-regulation, and effective communication can help them navigate their emotions and build positive relationships with others. SEL programmes can also support students in developing resilience and coping strategies for dealing with stress and challenges.
If schools implement these steps, they can create a supportive environment that enhances student wellbeing and helps students thrive both academically and personally.
Real examples of student wellbeing initiatives
Highlighting real-life examples of successful student wellbeing initiatives can inspire and guide schools in implementing similar programmes. Here are two notable cases from the World’s Best School Prizes initiative:
London Academy of Excellence, UK
The London Academy of Excellence, a Top 3 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2022, has demonstrated an exemplary approach to student wellbeing. The school serves a diverse student body, including many from families with no prior history of participation in higher education and from marginalised communities. Recognising the pressures these students face, the school has implemented a comprehensive wellbeing strategy to improve mental health.
This strategy began with a deep dive into existing research on child development, followed by an action plan tailored to the school’s unique needs. A key component of this plan is the school’s Mental Health Network, which raises awareness of mental health issues and trains student volunteers as wellbeing ambassadors. These ambassadors learn about mental health, current trends, and research, and propose initiatives to benefit their peers.
The school also hosted a Mindspace Conference in collaboration with other schools and mental health organisations. This initiative empowers students to become mental health leaders within their schools, and since its implementation, the rates of depression and anxiety at the London Academy of Excellence have significantly decreased, while academic results have continued to improve. Students’ perceptions of their own wellbeing have also increased considerably.
EEMTI Joaquim Bastos Gonçalves, Brazil
EEMTI Joaquim Bastos Gonçalves, the Winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2023, has taken a proactive role in addressing student wellbeing. Located in Carnaubal, a relatively young city with a significant portion of its population educated at this school, the teachers noticed a sharp decline in student mental health during the pandemic lockdowns. As in-person classes resumed, many students struggled with anxiety, communication difficulties, and even self-harm.
In response, the school launched the “Adopt a Student” project, offering online counselling sessions. Due to the limited availability of psychologists in Carnaubal, the school partnered with professionals via social media. Launched in 2021, this project provides students with access to counselling at least once a week, focusing on self-care, self-acceptance, self-confidence, and resilience.
The results have been remarkable, with students exhibiting higher self-esteem and improved grades. The project has attracted attention from schools across Brazil, eager to adopt similar initiatives. This success story illustrates the power of community in promoting student wellbeing, showing that significant impact can be achieved even with limited resources.
Tips for enhancing student wellbeing
Integrating wellbeing into the school environment can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make a significant difference. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
- Start small: Implementing wellbeing initiatives doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Begin with small, achievable goals, like introducing mindfulness sessions or setting up a dedicated space for students to relax and reflect.
- Involve the school community: Engage parents, teachers, and students in the planning and implementation of wellbeing programmes. A collaborative approach ensures that the needs of everyone are considered and that the community feels a sense of ownership.
- Monitor and adjust: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your wellbeing initiatives. Gather feedback from students and staff to understand what’s working and what might need adjustment. Being flexible and responsive will help ensure that your programs remain relevant and effective.
Student wellbeing is essential to creating an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Small changes can make a significant difference in supporting the wellbeing of your students. If you’re looking to evaluate how well your school is doing in promoting a positive school culture and student wellbeing, consider joining the Best School to Work programme. This unique initiative provides a thorough evaluation of your school’s culture and environment, offering valuable feedback and actionable insights to enhance your school’s approach to wellbeing.
