By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Mid Term Challenges

The middle of the term can be considered a challenging time for students. It is usually the time students have drafts due, there may be an increase in workload or mounting stress of examinations. In turn, this can lead to fatigue from that workload and lack of motivation that may have been present at the beginning of term.

This culmination can show a drop in focus on academic performance and behaviour standards. We encourage students to seek help from their Pastoral Leader, teachers, and support staff who may be able to guide them to better manage their stress levels.

During assembly this week, and through Pastoral Leaders, students are encouraged to find a purpose. At the College, we facilitate this by discussions and goal setting in Pastoral Care classes, catching up with Pastoral Leaders to discuss goals, and revisiting goals as the students focus on changes.

Our high standards, at the College, support students in making sensible choices, having self-control and appropriate communication skills – these skills are essential for everyday life beyond the school yard.

Being able to develop these skills in a school setting offers the support students need to be allowed to make mistakes, recover, and build resilience. All this support can be enhanced by support from home. When we work together, we achieve so much more. So, how can you help your child to find a purpose?

Some suggestions are:

• Talk about what your work means to you – what drives you to want to work. Keep this positive, we know not every day at work is perfect. Discuss the good!

• Ask your child questions about their interests and then listen, show you are genuinely interested in your children and their goals.

• Be positive and acknowledge hardships or failings without catastrophising, this allows children to feel safe to make the mistakes they must, to grow.

You may be surprised to know, these are little things that can make a big difference to your child.