Wellbeing

St. Hilda’s aims to provide relevant and responsible relationships and sex education (RSE) to all of its pupils. RSE is covered in both Science and PSHCE and we assure that the curriculum and content delivered is appropriate to the age and development of our pupils. Staff are aware of the importance of promoting healthy relationships and the values that underpin the RSE objectives outlined by the government.

In Science, Form V cover the topics of Puberty, Menstruation and Adolescence and Form VI develop this further by learning about Human Reproduction, Relationships and Consent. Lessons follow a nationally recognised scheme of work developed by the Christopher Winter Project and take the form of discussions, reading age-appropriate books and watching videos produced specifically for educational use at this age.

In PSHCE, this is covered through the ‘Changing Me’ puzzle (topic), as part of the Jigsaw programme of work we follow at St.Hilda’s, which is delivered in the last term of the academic year. We do this in a way that allows the children to explore elements of RSE in a safe environment. Please note, St. Hilda’s does not promote any particular form of sexual orientation.

The RSE policy is available here or in the policies section of this website and is updated on an annual basis.

We provide a full and engaging curriculum across the school starting from EYFS using myHappymind.  myHappymind is a mental health and wellbeing programme to support children in learning habits to support their own mental health. myHappymind covers a significant amount of the PSHE and Early Years guidelines.

We are proud to be a part of the myHappymind Family!

As a whole school programme grounded in science and dedicated to building positive mental
wellbeing, myHappymind helps children understand how their brains work and creates a culture that
helps to build children’s resilience, confidence, and self-esteem. myHappymind also teaches the
children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions in stressful times, allowing them to be their
very best selves!

Learn more here: https://myhappymind.org/

We have three houses at St Hilda’s School; York; Lancaster and Warwick.  Every pupil and member of staff is a member of a house with the exception of the Headmaster who remains neutral.  The children and staff connect through the houses from the early years, attending house assemblies, supporting a house charity, having a house buddy, plus house competitions including music and sports.

Each house has a Form VI Wellbeing Prefect who plans fun and engaging activities and look out for the younger girls’ wellbeing.

House points are awarded to children who have worked well within our values, who have contributed well within lessons and for excellent work in the classroom and sports field.

Our values are celebrated and actively promoted across our school community.  We focus on a particular value each half term. These are:

• Positivity
• Independence
• Courage
• Respect
• Kindness
• Resilience

We provide a selection of nurture groups throughout the school year to support wellbeing.  These are continuously evolving but can include:

• Growing Club
• Wellbeing Club
• Art Club
• Games Club
• Brick Club
• Feelings Club

From Form V, all children are allocated a mentor to support them with their preparation for secondary school and beyond.  Occasionally, a child may need an early mentor in order to support them with other transitional times in their life.  We endeavour to create a good match between child and staff member.

Children are invited to apply to our school playground squad from Forms IV to VI. The Playground Squad meet weekly to discuss children’s interactions during break times. The squad also provides support during morning break and lunch break to those children who may be looking for a friend to play with or would like to start a new game. The playground squad is supported by our resident cuddly seagull ‘Whitby.’

Please see our Outdoor Explorers page for more information.

We are delighted to work with Harpenden Partnership Plus who can offer parental and family support with any concerns you may be facing with your child at home or at school.

Referrals are be made by Mrs Atkins or click here for more information.

Harpenden Partnership Plus also provide Nurture groups within school and can offer 1:1 counselling for pupils at St Hilda’s.  Referrals made by Mrs Atkins.