Mental Health & Wellbeing

In our recent Berry Street Education Model training, staff explored Domain 4: Character,which focuses on helping students understand their strengths, values, and sense of purpose. This domain encourages students to notice what they are good at, celebrate their successes, and build a positive sense of identity.

Building character is important because it helps us to understand who we are and what matters to us. When we feel confident in our strengths and are guided by clear values, we are more motivated, resilient, and ready to learn. By fostering character in our classrooms, we support not only academic growth but also the development of kind, capable, and connected young people. The image below is a visual representation of ‘The Universal Character Strengths’. Research shows that applying these has a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing.

Another key component of Domain 4: Character is gratitude. Practising gratitude helps students focus on what is going well, notice the positive in themselves and others, and build optimism. Regular gratitude reflections—such as sharing something they are thankful for each day—can improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and create a more positive classroom culture.

Below are a list of questions that promote gratitude. These may be useful to promote conversations at the end of the day, rather than asking 'How was your day?'