Wellbeing

“Student wellbeing is present when students realise their abilities, take care of their physical wellbeing, can cope with the normal stresses of life and have a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community”. (NCCA Guidelines for Wellbeing 2018)

Pastoral care underlies all relationships within our school community. We aim to create a safe and happy environment which enriches the lives of the students. From the moment a student is enrolled, there are specific teachers on the staff whose roles are to ensure that students’ wellbeing is supported throughout their time in CBS.

A specific teacher liaises with primary schools to enable a smooth transition to secondary school. We have an Orientation programme for all first years, to help them make the adjustment from primary to secondary school. Our Mentoring Programme also helps First Year students with this transition and is assisted by Fourth Year students who act as mentors to the first years.

We have a wellbeing class each week and class tutors take an active role in each student’s progress. Assistant Principal Year Heads monitor an entire year group in conjunction with the Tutors, Guidance Counsellor, Deputy Principal and Principal. Regular assemblies are held in each group.

The careers department strongly believe that young people learn more effectively and have better academic outcomes if they are happy in their work, believe in themselves and feel acknowledged and supported in their schools.  The wellbeing of our young people is critical to their success in education and life. A whole school guidance approach prepares students to develop wellbeing and positive mental health, where emotional wellbeing may be understood as an educational end in and of itself.  A whole school approach involves all members of the school community engaging in a collaborative process to change and improve specific areas of school life that impact on wellbeing. A whole school approach produces a wide range of benefits for students, including improved behaviour, increased inclusion, improved learning, greater social cohesion, increased social capital and improvements on mental health. 

The SEN department works as part of the whole school approach to students with special educational needs. Student wellbeing is an integral part of the work of the SEN department. In the creation of an inclusive, supportive, learning environment for all students which enables them to develop coping mechanisms and build resilience for the present and into the future.

An S.P.H.E. (Social, Personal & Health Education) programme provides valuable insights and information to junior students.