This week, Director of Sixth Form, Mrs Woolley reflects on our journey of enhancing well-being among our Sixth Form students, which culminated in events like the recent Sixth Form Well-being Festival. 

Over the last academic year, we have focused on updating our well-being programme for our Sixth Form students. The aim of the programme is to focus on building their self-care and self- regulation as they build a healthy balance with their academic studies. It is always  important to us that we work in partnership with our students to ensure that the programme is tailored to meeting their needs and addressing their concerns. This is crucial to ensure that the programme achieves its aims of successfully supporting their well-being. 

This year we introduced the Sixth Form Well-being Room, a calm space where students can take some time away from the school day to decompress, adding to the other areas of the dedicated Sixth Form Centre which are designed to provide collaboration between work and rest. 

And on Monday 13th May, to much excitement, we held our first Sixth Form Well-being Festival. The event was lovingly planned and created by our incredible Pastoral Officer, Mrs Lonsdale. Designed to be an opportunity for the Lower Sixth to unwind and have fun together after their summer exams. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Layer Marney Tower, the festival offered an array of activities tailored to their interests. From great food to a glittering silent disco under the stars, and even some retail therapy in Cambridge, the event was meticulously crafted to provide a much-needed break and an unforgettable experience. 

The yoga session and sound bath allowed for the students to take time away from their everyday life and be in a truly calming environment. It gave them skills they can take away with them to use on days they need to find relaxation, which is incredibly important as they move into their last year of school. 

It was a joyful time filled with laughter, glitter tattoos, and the sound of singing (quite loudly due to the silent disco headphones!). This paired with a healthy dose of fresh air for all involved, made the event a true success and we knew we’d achieved our goal. The festival had offered the students a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and community. 

One of our Girls’ Leadership Group (GLG) members, Anya Pawar, spoke about how she appreciated the variety of activities, the relaxed schedule, and the beautiful country grounds. Anya enjoyed the yoga and mindfulness sessions which were a perfect way to decompress after exams. 

The well-being festival was a lovely example of working in partnership with our students, helping them not only find new strategies for managing balance in their lives but to create memories to last a lifetime. Sixth Form is a short, often intense and very important culmination of their school years, we want to make sure that every second counts.