Feeling Good at Watson's

At Watson’s, it is our main priority that pupils across all year groups are inspired in the classroom, comfortable socially and academically whilst also feeling entirely at ease embracing their authentic self. As such, throughout their school career, our pupils’ mental health and wellbeing takes precedence as we encourage them to seek help, talk openly about emotions and understand they should never suffer in silence - there is always someone on hand to listen within the GWC community.

We encourage positive mental health and wellbeing in a number of ways. One of our hotly anticipated mindfulness events is our Feel Good February Week which is designed to uplift pupils and offer a fun break from routine.

The aim of the week is to provide several days of fun, relaxing and exciting activities which not only allows pupils the chance to explore unique and entertaining experiences but also encourages them to fully destress, highlighting the importance of always putting their mental wellbeing first.

Throughout the week, we host a mini petting zoo, a climbing wall, a visit from therapy pets and even invite some friendly alpacas to walk around campus with our pupils. The experiences involving animals are always popular amongst year groups as they are known to boost pupils' self confidence and improve concentration in the classroom.

When discussing the impact of Feel Good February, Summayyah (S6) said: “in the past I have particularly enjoyed the yoga sessions and the visits from the therapy dogs. This year new activities were also introduced and there was a great atmosphere surrounding these, especially the colour run! The fun run was put in place to allow pupils and staff to have a laugh together and end the half term on a high. Whether running or spectating, the community spirit within the school was buzzing!”

The Feel Good February activities help pupils (and staff!) enjoy some stress-free fun during what is arguably the most busy term. The various sessions help senior pupils wind down and relax after prelims whilst other activities encourage healthier habits such as offering free fruit at break times, yoga sessions, and much more.

Rosie (S6) went on to explain why ‘feeling good’ is particularly beneficial across the year groups:

“While Feel Good February allows us to focus on our own mental health and wellbeing, it also encourages us to look out for others as well. For example, in the Junior school during this time, we ran our annual food bank collection to support the Edinburgh Food Project - an initiative we are passionate about helping.”

She continued:

“Feel Good February is centred around mindfulness and is all about promoting mental wellbeing, ensuring we acknowledge and talk openly about mental health across year groups. This is linked to a number of UNICEF UK’s UN Convention Rights of the Child including Article 3 which states that the best interests of the child must always be a top priority in all decisions and Article 31 which specifies that every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Our Feel Good February initiatives here at Watson’s certainly allowed us that.”

At Watson’s, we are lucky that the pupil community embraces our Feel Good February week each year, making the most of all the opportunities presented to them. This is furthered by our proactive Senior School Pupil Council who act as the ‘voice’ of the school, creating engaging campaigns throughout the academic year that seek to improve school life, ensuring all members of the Watson’s community feel valued and considered during their time at school.

One of the primary campaigns at present is the mental health and wellbeing of all pupils. At a recent assembly, Aden (S3) explained why positive mindfulness is such an imperative strategy within the school community:

“We, as a school, believe this is an important issue that cannot be overlooked. That is why we want to increase opportunities for everybody in the GWC community to be able to seek help. This may come in the form of one on one sessions, group discussions or pupil led groups. I would encourage anyone struggling, unsure or wanting more information about their mental health to attend the appropriate sessions.”

Our school values are to Aim High, Respect All, Be Kind and Join In - none of which would be possible without encouraging positive mental health and wellbeing. Our staff are on hand to help our pupils in any way they can, providing a supported environment where we can emulate our motto: Ex Corde Caritas - Love from the Heart.