General Notices

MyZone Lesson - Wednesday 7th October

Topic: My Mental Health: What It Is and Why It Matters

Next week, students will begin exploring the topic of mental health. Students will learn what mental health means, how it forms an important part of our overall health, and how our emotions and mental wellbeing can change over time. They will also explore when changes in emotions or behaviour may suggest that someone needs additional support and where they can go for help.

Understanding mental health helps young people recognise that experiencing difficult emotions is a normal part of life, develop greater understanding of others, reduce stigma and, importantly, know when and how to ask for support.

As with all My Health lessons, students will be reminded of our ground rules. Discussions will focus on scenarios and general situations rather than personal experiences. Students will not be expected to share personal or family experiences, and we encourage respectful listening without judgement or personal questioning.

Our aim is to provide students with accurate, age-appropriate information in a safe and supportive environment, while helping them develop the knowledge and confidence to look after their own.

Year 7 – What is Mental Health?

This Lesson covers...

• What mental health is and how it is part of our overall health

• The difference between mental health and mental illness

• How mental health can change from day to day, just like physical health

• Recognising a range of emotions and understanding that difficult emotions are normal

• Understanding how normal levels of stress and anxiety can be helpful

• Recognising when anxiety may become too much through its intensity, duration and impact

• Identifying signs that someone may need additional mental health support

• Knowing who to talk to and where to go for help and advice

Year 8 - Mental Health vs Mental Illness

This lesson covers...

• Understanding that everyone has mental health and that it can fluctuate

• Distinguishing between everyday changes in mood and mental ill health

• Understanding what a mental illness or mental health condition is

• Exploring common characteristics and warning signs of poor mental health

• Recognising characteristics associated with anxiety and depression

• Understanding how stigma and misinformation can affect people with mental illness

• Recognising the importance of identifying concerns early and seeking support

• Knowing how to support yourself or a friend and where to seek appropriate help

Year 9 - Social Media and Mental Health

This lesson covers...

• Understanding what self-esteem is and how it can affect mental wellbeing

• Exploring how social media use can influence self-esteem

• Understanding social comparison and the impact of comparing real life with online “highlight reels”

• Recognising how curated, edited and performative content can create unrealistic expectations

• Exploring how likes, comments, followers and online criticism can influence mood and self-worth

• Understanding how excessive social media use and short-form content can affect focus and attention

• Identifying ways to reduce unhealthy comparison and make social media use more positive

• Developing strategies to protect mental wellbeing, including screen breaks, time limits and balancing online and offline activities

Year 10 - Specific Mental Health Conditions and Treatment

This lesson covers...

• Understanding what mental health conditions are and how they can affect everyday life

• Exploring anxiety disorders, including common characteristics, symptoms and avoidance behaviours

• Distinguishing between normal levels of anxiety and anxiety that may require support

• Understanding depression and recognising common signs and potential impacts

• Exploring eating disorders, including different types, characteristics and common misconceptions

• Understanding the different biological, psychological and social factors that can contribute to mental health conditions

• Exploring misconceptions, stigma and the glamorisation of mental illness and their potential impact on individuals

• Understanding the importance of early support, professional help and strategies for managing mental health conditions