The College Magazine Winter 2020

Make it Real
Wellbeing is at the Heart of Junior School
By Naomi Wong
We know in Junior School that for students to be
ready for learning, they need to feel physically well,
safe and in balance. We recognise that they cannot
cognitively process new information or make sound
decisions, if they do not have good mental health
and wellbeing.
Therefore, we have made Wellbeing and Social
Emotional Learning (SEL) a key priority for all
students. Our wellbeing as individuals depends on
knowing how to stay healthy of body and mind and
practicing these skills every day. When our students
learn about science and participate in Physical
Education lessons, we teach them about nutrition
and exercise. In our Wellbeing curriculum we also
focus on keeping our mind well and being
connected to our community.
For children to be able to successfully
need good social and emotional intelligence.
Current experts have identified these skills to be
self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness,
relationship skills and responsible decision-making.
(CASEL https://casel.org/sel-framework)
While some children learn these skills by
emulating them from significant people in their
lives, for many children this is not enough. Just as
Maths and English are better to be explicitly taught,
so are social emotional skills.
In the Junior School we have built a bespoke
curriculum around Wellbeing. It is underpinned by
the core Dulwich values: Respect, Integrity,
Kindness, Open Mindedness, Confidence, Resilience,
and Responsibility. Students develop their own
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