We are joining the national conversation for Mental Health Awareness Week 13 to 19 May 2024 with ‘movement: moving more for our mental health’ as the theme this year.
“One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Our bodies and our minds are connected.” – Mental Health Foundation
At Lathallan, we place emphasis on the importance of wellbeing every single day, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting open conversations. We believe that nurturing mental health is as crucial as academic success. Lathallians from their early years in our Nursery right through to Senior School are developing healthy habits to cope with everyday challenges and building their resilience for life beyond school.
Let’s explore some of the ways our school encourages movement and a focus on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Movement throughout the day: Our leafy 60 acre grounds and beachfront aren’t just for show! Walking from class to class throughout the day incorporates regular movement into the school routine. This gentle activity in the fresh air allows students to clear their heads, refocus, and return to lessons with renewed energy.
Learning outdoors: Immersing ourselves in nature has a well-documented positive impact on mental wellbeing. Fresh air, sunshine, and the natural world all contribute to a sense of calm and clarity. Lathallan is the only all-through school in Scotland to have been awarded the Gold Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) quality mark. By encouraging pupils to learn outside the confines of traditional classroom settings, our pupils experience a sense of freedom, exploration and connection with nature. Engaging in activities outdoors to embed learning, not only supports physical health but we see first-hand the impact on mental health with reduced stress and increased engagement in the education. 92% of our pupils agreed or strongly agreed that being outside at school makes lessons engaging and interesting.
Games and PE: From the exhilaration of team sports to the focused discipline of individual pursuits, our young people have Games and PE at least three times a week at Lathallan, which provides a structured outlet for physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat stress and anxiety.
Creative expression through movement: Participation in Music, Drama, and the Arts allows our pupils to express themselves physically and creatively. Whether it’s the coordinated movements of dance, the rhythmic flow of music, or taking to the stage to act in school productions, these programs provide a healthy outlet for emotions and a sense of accomplishment.
Personal Development Afternoons (PDA): Friday afternoons in our Senior School are designed to allow students to explore new skills, hobbies, and activities. When we are open to trying new experiences, we reap the rewards to our wellbeing. From sewing and skiing to mechanics and running our school coffee shop, there is something for everyone to try and enjoy. The range of PDA options changes every term and through the PDA programme, our pupils are active and have an outlet to unwind at the end of a busy school week.
Our school animals: interacting with our school alpacas, chickens, peacocks and pigs while on ‘Farm Duty’ motivates our young people of all ages to walk, play, and care for the animals around them on site. Whether it’s taking the alpacas for a walk, playing with labrador ‘Tam’, or trying to find the hens’ eggs for our kitchen team, spending time with animals at Lathallan provides memorable experiences in the outdoors with peers.
Head of Pastoral Care at Lathallan, Mr Wiltshire said;
“At Lathallan, we believe that “movement” encompasses more than just physical activity. It’s about a dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration, expression, and connection. By incorporating these elements into our school life, we empower our students to take charge of their mental and physical wellbeing, setting them up for success not just in the classroom, but throughout their lives”.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, why not join the movement? Take a walk outdoors, participate in a new activity, or simply stretch and breathe deeply. Let’s move together towards a healthier, happier Lathallan community!