Social and Emotional Learning

What is SEL and why is it so important? 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential part of our curriculum because emotional wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand. When children feel safe, understood, and emotionally balanced, their brains are far better prepared to absorb new ideas, focus, and solve problems. Research consistently shows that strong SEL skills directly boost classroom engagement and overall academic performance. 

Beyond academics, SEL gives our students practical life strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and develop empathy—helping them recognise how their actions and reactions affect those around them.

How we support our students:

• Weekly SEL Lessons: Every class has a dedicated, timetabled SEL lesson each week. Teachers build on these concepts daily through circle times, storybooks, and classroom discussions.

• The Zones of Regulation: We use this framework across the entire school to give students a shared language for their feelings (for example, learning to say, "I'm in the Blue Zone today because I feel tired").

• Calm-Down Boxes: Staff are currently developing calm-down boxes within each classroom. Students are being taught to recognise when they feel dysregulated and how to use these tools to return to the Green Zone—feeling settled and "ready to learn."

• Daily Check-ins: Teachers proactively check in with students throughout the day so they can adapt their teaching and personalise learning to support how children are feeling in real time.

• Komodo (Years 3–6): We use the Komodo platform to track student wellbeing across a number of areas, including both school life and home life.

• Extra Support: We offer small-group intervention programmes through Hamish & Milo (which both parents and staff can refer students for), as well as one-on-one sessions with our onsite counsellor, Ms. Kate. Please see below for referral information. 

Social and Emotional Learning Parent Referral Form

If you have any concerns about your child's social or emotional development and would like to request extra support from the school please complete the attached form. 

Social and Emotional Learning Referral

Please always let the school know if you have any concerns so that we can work together to support your child.

The Zones of Regulation

Developing student self-regulation skills is a core focus at ICHK. Self-regulation enables learners to understand and manage their emotions, recognise feelings in others, build empathy, and cultivate stronger relationships. Crucially, it empowers students to identify when they are outside the Green Zone—the optimal state for learning—and equips them with actionable strategies to navigate back to it.

The Zones of Regulation framework serves three vital functions for our school community:

• Shared Vocabulary: Gives students, teachers, and parents a simple, safe way to talk about feelings and energy without anyone feeling judged.

• Emotional Awareness: Helps students notice how they feel inside, spot early signs of big emotions, and see how feelings affect their learning and friendships.

• Personal Toolkits: Helps students build their own set of calm-down tools—like deep breaths, quick breaks, or movement—so they can manage their emotions on their own.