Polam School swaps school books for yoga mats on Global Be Well Day

Students at Polam School were among 55,000 children and young people around the world taking part in Global Be Well Day today (Friday).

The day was a chance to draw attention to the vital role of mental and physical wellbeing in education.

Instead of their usual curriculum, pupils took part in a day of activities and learning aimed to increase understanding of wellbeing at a time when Covid-19 impacts every aspect of life.

Darren O’Neil, headteacher, said, “The uncertainty of Covid has meant our school has pivoted to and from online learning at various points over the last 6 months. We expect this to continue – and that makes our priority focus on wellbeing doubly important.”

Global Be Well Day at Polam, organised by Year 2 teacher and wellbeing lead, Cara Wharton, involved a staff breakfast, charity assembly and a ‘5 Ways to be Well’ poster competition, along with collaborative working between classes via Teams and activities throughout the day incorporating mindfulness practise, exploring and discussing emotions and positive mindset.

Not content with just one day, next week will be Polam’s Week To Be Well including wellbeing activities for parents as well as staff and pupils.

The school community will be taking part in a sponsored run/walk/jog/scoot to raise money for MIND BLMK (Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes) who are a local charity that supports anyone who is experiencing mental health issues.

Mr O’Neil said, “By joining together on Global Be Well Day 2020, we’re reinforcing the vital importance of wellbeing as the foundation that needs to underpin every aspect of education.”

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