Wellbeing
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Our Wellbeing Programme is designed to offer an exceptional, student-led experience grounded in a positive approach to wellbeing.
At Halcyon, we prioritise a human-centred approach, ensuring that all aspects of our school are built on strong, relational foundations. Through this approach, students cultivate a deeper sense of autonomy and agency, empowering them to take active roles in their learning and personal growth.
By empowering students to take ownership of their mental and emotional health, we equip them with lifelong skills for self-care and resilience.
Wellbeing plays an important role in our school because it serves as the foundation upon which students can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. When students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more engaged, motivated, and open to learning.
Nito Harvey, Student Wellbeing Leader
In the Curriculum
Shaping a supportive environment of social and emotional learning means integrating our Wellbeing Programme into all areas of school life: everyone in our community shares an understanding that this is critical to academic engagement. This is supported through the IB Learner Profile, IB Approaches to Learning, parent wellbeing workshops and teacher feedback to the Wellbeing Team.
Our curriculum, our PSHEE programme, and our school Explorations Programme provide spaces for our students to understand the importance of agency, advocacy and civic literacy. These are skills that equip students to navigate their experiences and build resilience.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is “about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly.” All our teachers are cognitively trained and embed mindfulness practices into classroom lessons to encourage effective and focused learning.
Restorative Practice
Restorative practice is an approach to 'behaviour and discipline' that builds healthy, respectful relationships. We use structured dialogue to resolve conflict and encourage students to take personal responsibility for their choices; so that they have the agency, as advocated through the mentor programme, to make purposeful change. Staff have professional training to deliver restorative practice.
Mentoring
All our teachers are trained as cognitive coaches, and all students are assigned a teacher-mentor. Each student receives at least 15 minutes of private conversation with their mentor each week.
Utilising the structured conversational strategies developed in their training, mentors guide their group of Grade 6-12 students to find their own solutions and areas for personal development.
Student Agency
Our delivery of the IB is grounded in student agency. Students' contributions frame how we construct our curriculum. This includes the formation of their own clubs and explorations, venturing outside of the classroom to fulfil their passions in the community, and informing recruitment.
Student voice is built into the design of our school, capping the number of our classrooms to sixteen students which allows for stronger connection between staff and students, as well as offering shared, adaptable spaces, which encourages creativity, inspiration, and connection with staff.
Wellbeing Team
Our Wellbeing Team includes a Student Wellbeing Lead, dedicated Restorative Practitioner, Learning Coach, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy.
Our Student Wellbeing Lead is part of our Senior Leadership Team, ensuring Wellbeing is a central part of strategic discussion and decision making.
Our Wellbeing Team liaises with universities to research and develop practices that integrate social and emotional learning into all areas of student life. Halcyon is the only school in the world to lead a comprehensive programme of cognitive coaching, through which every student is assigned their own mentor.
Mental Health Support
In addition to our Wellbeing Team, we also have a school counsellor available two days a week to support student mental health. Sessions take place in a dedicated office and are available to anyone in our community; either students who have been referred by the Wellbeing Team or have requested an appointment themselves.
Halcyon’s innovative and caring approach is attracting families looking for a school that approaches learning for students with a balance between social-emotional wellbeing, academic rigor and a focus on lifelong learning.
NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Human Givens Institute’s Emotional Needs Audit
Our wellbeing programme is built around the Human Givens Institute's Emotional Needs Audit framework, which ensures a holistic approach to meeting the core emotional needs of students, promoting balance and overall well-being.
For each of us, our wellbeing is dependent upon
- Security - safe territory and an environment which allows us to develop fully
- Attention (to give and receive it) - a form of nutrition
- Sense of autonomy and control - having volition to make responsible choices
- Emotional intimacy - to know that at least one other person accepts us totally for who we are
- Feeling part of a wider community
- Privacy - opportunity to reflect and consolidate experience
- Sense of status within social groupings
- Sense of competence and achievement
- Meaning and purpose - which comes from being stretched in what we do and think
Discover More
Entry Requirements & Applying
Starting a new school is an important step in your family’s journey into the future. Whatever your circumstances, our knowledgable and welcoming Admissions Team stand ready to provide you with the guidance and information you need.
Arrange A Visit
Halcyon welcomes enquiring minds, challenging questions and unique perspectives. Arrange a visit, see it in action and experience a Halcyon welcome.
Academics
An innovative curriculum that encourages academic curiosity. Classrooms where challenging questions deepen understanding. Students welcomed for who they are.
Join Our Team
We provide a creative and professional space for our team to contribute and learn to their full potential. Ours is a collaborative culture where all are welcome.
Our Community
Community is a foundational value for us. Our parents, students, teachers, support staff and alum are at the core of our vibrant, welcoming International Baccalaureate learning environment.
