11th October 2024
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY I have had quite a few conversations with learners this week about the stress of their upcoming mock exams. It is true - exams are stressful. However, mock exams, or any internal assessments for that matter, have a very different purpose compared to GCSE exams. I have been clarifying this purpose in my conversations with learners to help them to approach their mocks and in-class tests with the right frame of mind and, hopefully, a reduction in stress. The purpose of an internal assessment or mock exam is to support the teacher and learner to diagnose their learning. It enables both learner and teacher to understand where the learning has taken place and where there is a deficit. It enables the teacher to plan their teaching more effectively so that it meets the needs of each individual and it enables the learner to understand what learning they are already grasping with confidence and what learning they have not quite ‘got’ yet. As we approach half term many subjects across all cohorts will be introducing tests as a form of assessment to check on understanding. There are some ways that families can help us to further mitigate stress during assessment time. Learners need to ensure they arrive to class assessments well rested, on time and with the appropriate equipment. Please support them with this. Whilst I am on the theme of exam stress I would like to highlight World Mental Health Day, which took place yesterday. • • • •
World Mental Health Day 2024 Information and support - Mind World Mental Health Day 2024 Announcing 2024 World Mental Health Theme “It is time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”.
The aim of World Mental Health Day is to ignite thinking around Mental Health. It’s nice to have a
day to recognise mental health, however I feel this is something we should never lose sight of. For me, every day should be mental health day. For us as a community of learners, parents and staff our mental health is precious. Coming to school can take its toll on us and in some cases, consume us. We must all work together and support each other to maintain our wellbeing. That is easier said than done when the demands made around us can easily get out of hand and spiral out of control, often leading to overwhelming feelings of negativity - mental health is never something to be ashamed about. The best thing to do is to talk to someone and not bottle things up. My door is always open to you all - learners, parents and staff. If you are ever having personal struggles that are affecting your wellbeing and mental health please let me know. So let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues? This year’s theme is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, communities and each other. I use music to support my mental health and the next gig in my calendar is DJing the Cohort 7 Halloween Disco. The Disco takes place on Thursday 24th October just before we break up for half term. Tickets should be available shortly - I am looking forward to seeing all our newest learners there. In the meantime, I hope you are all able to get some down time over the weekend. James Saunders