Personal & Social Curriculum
Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships (RRRR)
Topic 5: Stress Management
At St Bede’s, we continue to support our students’ wellbeing through the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) curriculum. This term, all classes are learning about stress management — recognising that everyone experiences stress at times, and developing healthy ways to respond to challenges with calm, care, and resilience.
This learning connects closely with our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) values of Being Safe, Being Respectful and Being Resilient, helping students understand that managing their emotions and taking positive action supports both themselves and those around them.
Foundation
Key Learning:
- Recognise different emotions and learn simple ways to calm down when feeling upset or worried.
- Practise strategies like deep breathing, counting slowly, or finding a quiet space.
- Discuss how sharing feelings with a trusted adult helps them feel safe.
Conversation Starters for Home:
- “What helps you feel calm when you’re upset?”
- “Can you show me how to take three deep belly breaths?”
- “Who are some people you can talk to when you need help?”
Year 1 & 2
Key Learning:
- Explore what stress might feel like in their bodies (e.g. fast heartbeat, tense muscles).
- Practise positive self-talk and mindfulness techniques.
- Discuss the difference between small problems they can solve themselves and bigger problems where they might need help.
Conversation Starters for Home:
- “What’s something that helps you feel calm when things get tricky?”
- “Can you think of a time you solved a small problem all by yourself?”
- “What can we do as a family to help each other when we feel stressed?”
Year 3 & 4
Key Learning:
- Identify common causes of stress (e.g. tests, friendship changes, busy schedules).
- Explore healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, prayer, listening to music, or spending time outdoors.
- Reflect on how kindness, gratitude, and faith can help them feel grounded.
Conversation Starters for Home:
- “What are some good ways to manage stress when school feels busy?”
- “How can we include calm time in our family routines?”
- “How might prayer or quiet reflection help when you’re feeling overwhelmed?”
Year 5 & 6
Key Learning:
- Examine how stress can affect thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
- Explore practical coping strategies such as planning ahead, asking for help, and using relaxation or mindfulness.
- Reflect on how the Holy Spirit can guide them to act with peace and courage during challenging times.
Conversation Starters for Home:
- “What helps you stay calm when things don’t go to plan?”
- “What are some signs that tell you you’re feeling stressed?”
- “How can we support each other when life feels a bit overwhelming?”
Justin McFarlane
Student Wellbeing Leader