EDUCATION EDITION
We try to increase the use of language at every possible opportunity
of devoted staff on-site to attend to student needs and concerns, such as the housemaster or housemistress, tutors and chaplain. Specialised personal and social development lessons nurture this aspect of pupils’ lives, covering everything from building friendships to digital safety. The PSHE curriculum evolves year-on-year, with children guided through every step. At Landmark International School, the pandemic has spurred on a brand- new programme to nourish mental health, headteacher Gareth Turnbull- Jones explains: “We recently spent time researching and developing a student wellbeing policy and have identified a wellbeing leader to implement this policy fully. Last September, all staff completed training around being a trauma-informed school, which is clearly vital in response to the pandemic. This September, we are supporting all staff with coaching and mentoring training to help all students reach their full potential.” Most face-to-face conversations drew to a sudden halt amid Covid-19 – and quotidian natters and chinwags have only recently slotted into the patterns of daily life again. The value of such communication is indispensable, however, and its absence has left its mark on students – something Cambridge International School is trying to counter. “The early years have placed an emphasis on books and stories,” says Amanda. “We try to increase the use of language at every
to pick up social cues and reinforcing communication skills. “We pride ourselves on our outstanding pastoral care and, alongside support from tutors and subject teachers, students at St Mary’s School have access to a fully trained school counsellor, who offers confidential advice,” says Charlotte. “We have a lay chaplain, who offers a listening ear and wise counsel when needed. The school also has an independent listener, who is there for students should they wish to talk to an adult independent of the school.” NEW INITIATIVES There’s no question that things have changed significantly since the pandemic, but Cambridge schools are reshaping in response: St Mary’s holds an annual wellbeing day every October, trading timetables for free-flowing fun and health-boosting activities – including mindfulness colouring, crafts, botanic garden walks, meditation and Zumba. “As a school, we also ensure we mark the main national mental health awareness days and weeks, such as Children’s Mental Health Week in February and Mental Health Awareness Week in May,” says Charlotte. “Students partake in an abundance of extra-curricular activities, including fun workshops, inspirational guest talks, clay workshops, journaling, poetry and various craft projects.” Schools such as The Leys prioritise pastoral care above all, having a number
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72 SEPTEMBER 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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