Engagement & Wellbeing Page
Kellie Hewson and Melissa Lonergan
(Mental Health & Wellbeing and Disability & Inclusion Leaders)
Surfside Primary School
Curriculum Day Reflection - Creating the Conditions for Learning at Surfside
At our recent Curriculum Day, staff explored how we can create the best possible conditions for every student to learn, thrive and feel connected at school.
Research shows that attention is the gateway to learning. When students feel safe, supported and focused, they are better able to engage with new learning, build skills and experience success. With this in mind, staff reflected on how our learning environments can support student engagement and wellbeing.
Teachers explored ways to create calm, purposeful classrooms by reducing unnecessary distractions, establishing predictable routines, organising learning spaces thoughtfully and ensuring students know where to focus their attention. These small adjustments can have a significant impact on students' ability to concentrate, participate and learn successfully.
Staff also continued our work in Responsive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all wellbeing program, teachers use a range of information including student voice, wellbeing check-ins, classroom observations and cohort data to identify the social and emotional needs of their students. This allows teachers to respond proactively to issues that are most relevant to their class, such as friendship skills, resilience, inclusion, anxiety, emotional regulation or transitions.
Responsive SEL involves explicitly teaching social and emotional skills, providing opportunities for students to practise these skills, and reinforcing them over time. Just as students need repeated opportunities to develop literacy and numeracy skills, they also benefit from ongoing support to develop the social and emotional skills that help them succeed at school and beyond.
We are proud of the work being undertaken across Surfside to ensure our learning environments and wellbeing practices support every student to feel safe, connected, engaged and ready to learn.
Lunch Clubs at Surfside!
Following student feedback through our Student Voice and Agency team, Lunch Clubs are now running across the week with activities including sport, art, coding, dance, music, games and more.
Lunch Clubs are a great way for students to build friendships, try something new and feel more connected to school. Please encourage your child(ren) to explore the timetable and consider giving a new club a go this term. Most clubs run for approximately 30 minutes.
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