Our Schools Programme
Mental Health Education in our Island’s schools:
Helping young minds bloom
From early years through to adolescence, children face different challenges as they grow.
Our educational offering is centred around the core principles of resilience, respect, empathy and relationships. By delivering engaging and age appropriate mental health and wellbeing education at each Key Stage, we equip pupils with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills they need to build resilience, develop positive wellbeing and navigate life with greater confidence. Just as we nurture literacy and numeracy, teaching wellbeing from the start helps create confident, compassionate learners who are better prepared for life both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Educational Programme is delivered by our Wellbeing Facilitators, and developed in cooperation with our qualified and accredited psychotherapists.
Learning pillars
Our framework is centred around a holistic approach, recognising that mental health and wellbeing are closely connected to the development of strong character, positive relationships and the skills young people need to thrive.
Awareness
My internal self
The brain, emotional literacy, coping skills and self awareness.
Character
Who I am as a person
Resilience, growth mindset, confidence and self-worth.
Connection
My relationships with others
Respect, empathy, healthy relationships and communication.
Community
Me in the wider world
Belonging, group think, and wider social awareness.
Continual Growth
Seeds: Key Stage 1
Years 1&2
Planting ideas of wellbeing
Roots: Key Stage 2
Years 3-6
Building foundations of resilience
Branches: Key Stage 3
Years 7-9
Exploring identity and relationships
Treetops: Key Stage 4&5
Years 10-13
Looking ahead with confidence
Seeds: planting ideas of wellbeing
Key Stage 1 (Years 1&2)
In Key Stage 1 the emphasis is on building a safe emotional foundation and healthy habits. Pupils practice understanding and talking about different emotions, learn simple strategies to help navigate big feelings, recognise their strengths and build positive relationships.
The curriculum is based on three of our key learning pillars: awareness of our internal selves, understanding our character, and exploring our connections with others. Sessions incorporate a combination of practical activities, stories, discussion and play to help children learn, practice new skills, and reflect.
Roots: building foundations of resilience
Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)
In Key Stage 2 pupils build on foundations, strengthening emotional understanding and reflecting more deeply on their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. They continue to develop healthy ways to manage challenges and changes, recognising how their strengths and values help build resilience. As they grow, they are also encouraged to think about the roles they play within their communities, and the importance of empathy and respect in how they interact with others.
The curriculum is built around our four learning pillars: awareness of our brain, emotional literacy and coping skills; understanding our character, developing confidence and resilience; exploring communication and our connection with others; and recognising our place in our community.
Each year, the final session provides an opportunity for reflection, helping pupils embed learning, celebrate their growth, and consider future goals. Skills and understanding build each academic year, reinforcing previous learning while expanding topics and language in an age-appropriate way.
For year 6, there is a focus on the transition to high school, exploring how skills can be applied to navigate this next stage.
Branches: exploring identity & relationships
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
In Key Stage 3 students deepen their understanding of mental health and wellbeing, building on the foundations established in earlier years, and developing new skills that are relevant to adolescence and the challenges of everyday life. Through a combination of PSHE lessons and Drop Down Days, pupils cover different elements of our learning pillars and are encouraged to have greater self-awareness, applying learnings to their real-life experiences.
Sessions provide opportunities for discussion, reflection and practical skills building, helping students to recognise where they can take personal action, when they might need further support, how to seek help for themselves or others and where to access appropriate services. Throughout, students are reminded of the support options available to them, and are given details of how to access Talk and other local services when needed.
Treetops: looking ahead with confidence
Key Stage 4&5 (Years 10-13)
In Key Stages 4 and 5, students are preparing for the future and navigating the increasing independence that comes with it. Building on the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme, sessions explore real-life challenges that are particularly relevant at this stage, including managing stress and pressure and preparing for exams.
The programme encourages students to reflect on their strengths and aspirations, helping them to make informed choices that support their mental health and wellbeing. As they begin to look beyond school and towards further education, employment, or training, they are supported to understand what is within their control, develop confidence in seeking help when needed, and recognise the importance of accessing support early. Throughout the programme, students are regularly reminded of the services available to them, including Talk and other local support agencies, and how to access these independently.
Meet the friendly faces educating our Island’s young people
Our Wellbeing Facilitators
Each of our facilitators brings their own experience, energy, and passion into the classroom, helping to make every session unique. Click on their photo to get to know them more.
Bethan Kirkham
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
(Primary and Early Years)
Bethan Kirkham
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
(Primary and Early Years)
Jess Bryan
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator (Primary)
Jess Bryan
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator (Primary)
Erin Callow
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
(Secondary)
Erin Callow
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
(Secondary)
Imogen Kinrade
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
Imogen Kinrade
Schools Wellbeing Facilitator
Sample Primary Session: “Your Good Qualities”
This session is part of the ‘Positive Relationships’ topic for Year 5.
In this uplifting session, pupils will learn the power of recognising and sharing the good qualities they see in others. We explore how giving genuine compliments can brighten someone’s day, boost their self-esteem and build relationships. Through this engaging activity, pupils will practice spotting the positives in their peers and sharing them, helping to build a classroom culture where kindness is expressed and everyone feels recognised.
Sample Secondary Session: “Friendship Trifles”
This session is part of the ‘Building Friendships’ topic for Year 7.
This session focuses on building and maintaining friendships using a creative ‘kitchen’ theme, helping students understand the ingredients of strong relationships such as trust, communication, respect, support and shared interests. It explores managing emotions, respecting boundaries and resolving conflicts effectively, using interactive activities to demonstrate the impact of unaddressed feelings or disagreements. Students practice setting clear, confident and consistent boundaries, managing conflict calmly and showing appreciation to strengthen connections. The lesson highlights that healthy friendships support mental well-being and offers guidance on where to seek support if needed.
