We were delighted to hold a Well-Being Week at Amesbury from Monday 25 – Friday 29 March. Activities were run for pupils, staff and parents within our Early Years department, right through the school to Year 8.
Headmistress Sheina Wright describes the rationale behind the week. “The well-being of our Amesbury school community really matters to us, this includes pupils, parents and staff. As a collective group, it is our job to champion and promote emotional health and well-being. Our aim – to have a positive impact and help the whole Amesbury community to thrive and be happy.”
Co-ordinated by Headmistress Sheina Wright, Head of PSHEE Carrie Munday and Pastoral Head of Year 5 Cosmo O’Reilly, an exciting programme for the whole of the Amesbury community to take part in was developed. From informative talks to interactive games – there was something for everyone. Cosmo O’Reilly explains “This week has been a great chance for our pupils to take a pause on life, look at all the opportunities the world has to offer and enjoy being children. From Taiko drumming opening pupils’ eyes to a new culture, through to teamwork exercises giving us all the chance to trust and grow as a collective and as an individual.”
Carrie Munday reflects back on the week “It has been so satisfying to create the opportunity to connect with others; parents, children and visitors. Some teachers fed back how much they had enjoyed engaging with their classes on a different level and simply took the time to enjoy reflective well-being activities such as looking at emotional intelligence, doing artwork, circle times and creating support clouds. All these activities really promoted positive relationships across the school.”
Activities for Pupils
Our Early Years and Years 1 and 2 pupils all had the opportunity to take part in outdoor movement workshops, the art of mindfulness classes, creative and relaxing time spent in the woods and in our beautiful wigwams, plus an exciting visit to Swan Barn Farm.
Early Years Pupils have also contributed to our beautifully decorated Haslemere Hound ‘Buddy the Hound – Minds Best Friend’ during Well-Being Week. Buddy’s artwork was overseen by Head of Visual Arts Kerry Tristram. Mrs. Tristram explains ‘I talked with the children about the importance of friendship in our lives – someone to share the good and difficult times with. Our artwork focuses on hands as a symbol of friendship. It also features words that the children associate with the qualities of a good friend. Our Haslemere Hound itself represents ‘Man’s best friend’ and acknowledges that many people form strong friendship bonds with their family pets.’
Years 1 – 5 took part in a dance workshop with a focus on friendship and teamwork.
The whole school experienced exhilarating Taiko drumming sessions, a ‘movie with a well-being message’, ‘re-wilding the athlete within’ through outdoor movement workshops and the opportunity to stop, relax and think through playing board games.
The week culminated with our annual Easter Service, the whole school enjoying a ‘silent disco’ and our Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception classes taking part in a creative Easter Hunt.
Activities for Adults
Our teachers, support staff and parents are also an important part of our community and were able to experience a variety of workshops and activities throughout the week. From inspirational, wonderfully insightful and informative talks from our very own Dyslexia Specialist Sally Marshall and in-house Clinical-Psychologist Dr. Tom Smiley to pottery painting and yoga.
Amesbury is excited to be able to share more detailed plans of our Well Being Hub, Library and new flexible teaching spaces in the very near future. These spaces further affirm our aim to create a more mindful environment to learn in and a greater sense of well-being within our community.
Our next Open Mornings are on Friday 10 May from 10.00-12.00 (whole school) and Saturday 8 June (Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception classes). To book your place please email l.wright@amesburyschool.co.uk.
