Les Varendes High School

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Good mental health is the most important thing for everyone at Les Varendes High School, both students and staff. While we do not control all the things that shape mental health beyond school, we will always consider the impact of the decisions we make on the wellbeing of staff and students.

In the curriculum, we directly teach our students about their emotional health. We teach through our pastoral and personal development curriculum through Years 7 to 11 that focusses on developing resilience, understanding social and emotional learning, healthy habits and mental illness.

Our goal is to help students develop a genuine understanding and appreciation for each subject, beyond simply preparing for exams. While GCSEs and A Levels are important milestones, we believe education should be a rich and enjoyable experience — not just a series of hurdles. We aim to foster curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

In ensuring excellent behaviour, we have a consistent whole school approach with clear routines of behaviour, well-communicated social norms and familiar routines bringing a sense of calm. The key emphasis in our approach to behaviour is to allow young people to self-regulate, so they develop the skills of capable adulthood.

In maintaining a significant non-teaching team dedicated to pastoral support, we can put in place measures to support young people experiencing difficulties. This team of staff has a range of expertise covering areas including bereavement, anxiety and exam pressures and works closely alongside classroom staff.

If you have any concerns about the mental health of a young person at Les Varendes High School, then please contact their Year Team Leader or Assistant Year Team Lead. Details can be found on the Staff Team page.

Resources and Services 

Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/

A range of breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help you feel calmer.

Action for Happiness –  https://actionforhappiness.org/all-calendars

Access 'The Coping Calendar' for strategies to look after ourselves and others during a crisis.

Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

The Young Minds website provides lots of advice on a range of feelings and conditions as well as providing advice on how to look after your mental health.

Mental Health Foundation - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/programmes

The Mental Health foundation have provided a range of tool-kits for students and parents on how to keep yourself mentally healthy and what to do if you're struggling.

The NHS Website - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/

The NHS website provides lots of advice relating to mental health and mindfulness.