Articles

To mark World Mental Health Day (WMHD), form tutors were asked to dedicate time during form sessions to explore the meaning and importance of WMHD. The sessions encouraged pupils to reflect on their own wellbeing and to recognise the benefits of talking openly about mental health.

To support this, I created a range of activity templates that tutors could use or adapt. Several form tutors also designed their own engaging activities to suit their groups. These sessions sparked meaningful conversations across the school, with discussions about WMHD continuing beyond the classroom and into corridors and communal spaces.

In addition, greater emphasis was placed on the support systems available in school, including the drop-in sessions and peer mentoring programme, reminding students of the resources they can access when they need support.

Heads of Year were also asked to deliver a WMHD assembly for their respective year groups.

• Miss Davies held an assembly featuring a balloon activity designed to demonstrate how kindness and positivity spread through collective effort. Balloons were passed around “keepy-uppy” style, and after a short time, those who had touched or been touched by a balloon were asked to stand. This simple but powerful visual showed how compassion and support can ripple through a community when people work together.

• Mr Mackin led an assembly for Year 7 built around the theme “I really appreciate you.” Following this, he emailed all staff to explain that Year 7 pupils would be completing small “appreciation cards” to hand out around school over the coming week. This thoughtful gesture aimed to promote gratitude and connection, celebrating the everyday support shared across our school community. Staff were also invited to join in by using the cards left in the staffroom to acknowledge and thank colleagues.

• Mrs Parton hosted an assembly that explored what wellbeing truly means and how small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact on the wellbeing of others. Centred on “The Power of the Community”—our focus for WMHD at CCSC—Mrs Parton encouraged pupils to think about how their actions can contribute to a more supportive and caring school environment. She shared examples of simple yet meaningful ways to show kindness and build a positive community, such as:
  - Showing appreciation for someone (staff or pupil)
  - Helping a lost pupil find where they should be
  - Holding open a door
  - Telling a member of staff if you are worried about a friend
  - Taking time to really talk to a friend
  - Including others and avoiding exclusion from friendship groups
  - Smiling at people as you walk past

Mrs Parton’s message reminded everyone that even the smallest gesture can create a ripple effect of positivity, strengthening our sense of belonging and enhancing collective wellbeing.

• Mrs Allen led an assembly for Year 8 focusing on “Power in the Community.” She explored what mental health means and how it affects everyone differently, highlighting the importance of kindness, connection, and supporting one another through small, caring actions that strengthen our school community.

• Mr Essenhigh led an inspiring assembly focusing on the importance of checking in on one another and recognising that it’s not always easy to see when someone is struggling. He encouraged honesty and openness about how we’re feeling and reminded everyone that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Small gestures can make a big difference and create a ripple effect of kindness and support throughout our school community.
  He finished by sharing an image of two ladders – one perfect and one uneven and cobbled together – to represent how life isn’t always neat or straightforward. It’s about continuing to move forward, using the support around us, and doing our best, even when things aren’t perfect.