We define wellbeing as our students being satisfied with their school lives, having positive experiences at school, having positive feelings about school, and believing that what they do at school gives them some purpose and meaning.

(Definition inspired by work at the Wellbeing Research Cente at The University of Oxford)

Wellbeing at KGV

There are many different definitions and models of wellbeing. KGV uses the Wellbeing Framework developed by Oxford University which outlines the 4 key drivers that influence the wellbeing of students as Health, People, Environment and Skills.

Oxford University Wellbeing Framework

Wellbeing Support at KGV (2024-25)

We weave wellbeing into the fabric of what we do in school everyday, and we are constantly striving to improve our provision by listening to what students need and collecting data to identify priorities. Below are some of the ways we support students wellbeing in school.

Tutor Time - a dedicated tutor for each student who knows them well and advocates for them. Time every day to connect with this tutor.
A varied curriculum which promotes wellbeing when opportunities they present themselves.
Our PHE Curriculum for Years 7-9 and our PSHE Curriculum for Yrs 10-13
Student Wellbeing Prefects and Ambassadors
We Talk Hub a safe soace for students to go at any time, and where our 3 full time counsellors are based.
Our team of Counsellors and Social Workers and ELSAs provide one-one or group support for students with higher levels of support needed.
School Healthcare Professionals available for students on site every day.
Wellbeing survey Every student at KGV completes a wellbeing survey twice a year. This is a tool for self-reflection, identifying individuals for further support and looking for whole school wellbeing trends.
Whole-School Events through the year such as Kindness Week, Pride Week, Odd Socks for Odd Days, and Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight and focus the community on different aspects of wellbeing
Our school values of Honesty, Courage and Empathy

The KG5 Ways To Wellbeing helps individuals in our community reflect upon and develop their own wellbeing.

This framework was researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation for the Department of Health and Social Care

This video is an introduction into these 5 ways and scroll down for more info on wellbeing at KGV.

CONNECT - Talk & Listen, Be There, Feel Connected

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

What you can do:

Play a game or chat to a friend at break or lunch rather than being on your phone
Ask someone how they are and really listen to there answer.

BE ACTIVE - Do what you can. Enjoy what you do.

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being.

But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well providing some level of exercise.

Today, why not get physical? Here are a few ideas:

Go for a walk around school at lunchtime
Join or organise a sporting activity
Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for school in the morning

TAKE NOTICE - Remember the simple things that give you joy

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:

Download a mindfulness app and set aside 5 minutes a day to practice meditation
Spend some time in nature or get a plant for your bedroom
Take notice of how your friends and family are feeling or acting

KEEP LEARNING - Embrace new experiences, See opportunities, Surprise youself

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

Why not learn something new today? Here are a few more ideas:

Read the news or a book
Research something you’ve always wondered about
Watch a TED talk or YouTube video on something that interests you.

GIVE - Your time, Your words, Your presence

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research. Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.

Giving back to others can create positive feeling and help us feel more satisfied with life.

Here are some ways that KGV students can do this:

Give 5 minutes of your time to help a classmate or friend with their work.
Participate in KGV chairty activities
Get involved in Kindness week
Do something nice for a friend

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