Pupils Focus on Their Health and Wellbeing

An event to help senior pupils take care of their mental and physical health and wellbeing in the run up to the SQA exams was recently held at Kirkwall Grammar School.

The time between January and the end of April is very busy, with pupils in S4, S5 and S6 sitting their prelims, focusing on their final practical assessments and preparing for their exams in May.  Many feel the pressure to perform well so they can take the next step in their career and education journey.

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In order to support pupils during this time, the school’s Guidance Team and DYW School Co-ordinator organised the Health and Wellbeing event to remind pupils they need to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing, ensuring they have some balance alongside the pressures of their schoolwork.  This is an important skill that they will need throughout their whole working life.

The event began with an introductory assembly which gave pupils the chance to learn more about the day’s activities and hear from three guest speakers.

The event was opened by Liam MacArthur MSP, who reflected on his time at school during exams through to his current position as MSP.  He reminded pupils that anyone can have times when things feel too much, and that we all need to take care of our own wellbeing.  He highlighted that the services attending the marketplace were there to support young people and encouraged them to look after their own mental and physical health.

Professional Musician and presenter with BBC Radio Orkney. Marcus Cordock then gave a very open and honest talk about how he has looked after his own mental and physical health through difficult times in his personal life.  He encouraged pupils to find what helps them as individuals and make sure to factor that into their day.  He also spoke about the benefits of writing a journal, explaining that it can help to put your thoughts and feelings down on paper.

Finally, Gina McMahon from NHS Orkney spoke about the importance of young people being empowered to use their voice.  She encouraged them to use the acronym BRAN when faced with decisions or appointments in their life.  BRAN stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, and (DO) Nothing and can be applied across all areas of life, helping people to take a step back from situations and make the best choices for themselves.  You can learn more about BRAN here.

Following the assembly and throughout the morning, senior pupils attended a Health and Wellbeing Marketplace which was held in the school Dance Studio.  Seventeen local organisations were on hand to promote the support that is available to help young people navigate this stage of their life and also promote some of the ways they can take care of themselves such as extracurricular and mindful activities.  Also in attendance were the school Counsellor and Youth Worker, who are available to provide support to those who need it.

Pupils could also pick up a leaflet which contained information about some of the groups and activities available in Orkney that can help them relax and switch off from studying, while also enabling them to have fun and make friends.  More details can be found here.

Finally, over lunchtime Orkney Dance and Fitness ran a Line Dancing session in the school Games Hall, which was open to all school pupils, while Lee Rendall, Personal Trainer, ran a session in the fitness suite for senior pupils.

Ruth McKay, Acting Head Teacher at Kirkwall Grammar School, said:  “As a school, we are aware that many young people experience ups and downs with their mental health, and the stresses associated with assessments and exams can cause additional strain.  Events like this are really important to help young people access the support that is available in school and outside in the community and give them skills to manage their own wellbeing.  I would like to thank the school’s Guidance Team and DYW Orkney for their hard work in putting on this event.

“I would also like to remind pupils that if they have any concerns about their mental health, there is support available and they can speak to their Guidance Teacher, the school Counsellor or Youth Worker for more help and advice.”

Leah Rendall, DYW School Co-ordinator at Kirkwall Grammar School, said:  “I was delighted to work with the school’s Guidance Team on this event, as it is really important that young people recognise the importance of ensuring a good work/life balance and taking a break from their studies.  Throughout the day, there was a great atmosphere in the Dance Studio, with pupils feeling comfortable and able to access the advice and support that was available, alongside taking part in some of the fun activities.

“Thank you to the three guest speakers and all of the local organisations who supported our Health and Wellbeing event, it was great to have them all supporting this event so enthusiastically.”