Well-being at Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin
Wellbeing is gaining increased attention across many education systems. This is influenced by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which emphasises children’s right to achieve their full potential and participate in decisions that affect them. A rights-based approach to wellbeing is useful as it reminds us that wellbeing matters not simply because it leads to better educational outcomes or can influence young people’s outcomes as adults. At Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, a very strong emphasis is placed on Wellbeing and the right of all students to feel cared for in school.
In the pursuit of the highest academic standards, the promotion of mental, emotional and social health supports academic learning. There is overwhelming evidence that students learn more effectively when they are happy in their work, believe in themselves and are supported by their school.
- Student wellbeing is at the heart of the vision of a new Junior Cycle, which is fully implemented at Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, with particular emphasis being placed on the importance for teenagers in staying well. At Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, the following principles guide the wide range of activities in which students participate, from sporting to artistic, cultural, musical, dramatic technological to name but a few:
- Being Healthy and Physically Active
- Being Social
- Being Responsible, Safe and Ethical in using Digital Technology
- Being Safe
- Being Positive about Learning
- Being Confident
As part of the Gaelcholáiste’s Wellbeing programme students have participated during the year in Healthy Eating Week, Health and Fitness Week, Anti-bullying activities, Internet Safety programmes, study skills workshops, mindfulness, yoga lunchtime clubs, hill-walking, film-making, charity fund-raising as well as a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.