Health, happiness and wellbeing Our whole school theme for the spring/summer term, is health, happiness and wellbeing. At St John s School we have registered as supporters Heads Together. This campaign, spearheaded by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, aims to end stigma around mental health. As our contribution we were asked to discuss mental health in school. This led to a decision to focus our 2017 BBC School Report around the issues young people experience with regards to their mental health. Year 10a looked at identifying what might affect the young people around them with regards to their mental health. They decided to report on strategies they have found helpful when feeling anxious or worried, and to find out what other people do when feeling like this.
Exercise is good for your mind Our report is about exercise and how this can help you feel better not just healthy in your body, but for your mind too. The most important thing is everyone needs to feel happier and be fit and healthy. How can exercise make you feel happier? Some people go to gym a lot. Some people do not because they think it is boring or they like to do other exercise. We asked some pupils what they did instead of the gym. One said I take my dog for a walk. Another said I go horse riding because it makes me happy. It is not easy and hurts your legs, but it is good exercise and fun. We think exercise makes you feel stronger and healthier. It only take five minutes to start feeling better and it doesn t have to be intense. (www.lifehack.org) One of our teachers said that when she was feeling sad she would take her dog out for a really long walk and that she felt better after. 9 out of 10 teens don t get enough exercise! (CBS News) We think that sometimes this is true. Computer games can be fun, but don t play them too much. Exercise is easy you can: Ride your bike Go swimming Play tennis Go for a jog or a fast walk Play football or rugby In summer you can play rounders and cricket Exercise makes you have more energy and makes your heart stronger. If you have more energy you will feel happier. By Lily, John, Suriya
Friends are good for your health We are finding out about metal health issues that affect us as young people. Did you know that a child gets in touch with ChildLine about a mental health issues every eleven minutes? (NSPCC) People our age can get really worried about exams About going to collage About body image About friendships About family issues We want to find out what we can do to stop us getting too anxious or where to go to get help if we need to. We interview pupils and staff in our school. They told us the sort of problems that make them feel worried and anxious. They were I worry about my future I worry about someone dying I worry about getting bullied Someone in my family is poorly worries me Most worries are perfectly natural, it is when you let your worries become too much that you don t think straight. What can we do when we are worried? We ask people for advice about what to do. They suggested Try to be positive Finnish your homework on time Spend time with your friends or family Pray to your god Give more space Everybody should have some worries but don t let them take over too much, we given you lots of advice, I hope it helped you. By Mia and Iqra Sharing time with friends
The Dogs and Us Most people think dogs are good for your health. You can take you dog on a walk, exercise and chill out. A friendly dog makes you happy and loved. My dog was my friend I talked to her. When I was little I lived in a place with lots of police chase, and trouble. My dog Lou Lou looked after me, she made me feel safe. I was scared at night time Lou Lou cuddled me, kept me warm. Animals have the ability to create connections that transcend racial, cultural, physical and socioeconomic differences, says Dr Sandra McCune, scientific leader in human-animal interaction at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition. Simply seeing people out walking dogs can also make a neighbourhood feel safer, particularly for women. (Telegraph) Children who grow up with dog it helps to stay healthy and exercise. It teaches kids to be responsible for the dog. They learn understanding and feelings. Some people have hearing dogs they wear burgundy day jackets. The charity it called Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. The dogs make people happy rest of their life and they help people with people and noises. By Kye Dogs make people happy. BBC News Dogs make life better. BBC News Hearing dogs for the deaf BBC News
My article is about pets making you feel better. My cats helped me to feel better. I teach my cat tricks it makes me laugh. My brother even teaches my cats to speak well, meow when he tells them! Xavi never angry or fight, she don t like being frightened and she like play crazy anything, they live with my grandad and grandma now, they love them. One in ten British parents say owning a pet has helped their child lose weight, while nearly half say their child is fitter and healthier because they own a dog or a horse, according to a study. (Telegraph) When you are upset or frightened, and the pets will never tease you. They helping you feeling good, stop me being angry, help calm down and are good friends. 58% of parents saying their children have become more responsible since bringing an animal into the home. (telegraph) Stroking cats can make you feel calm, and relaxed. Good for minds. Walking dogs is exciting, you get fresh air. After you are happy. By Miles
Pilates Since last year 10MC have been learning simple Pilates stretches every week and this term as part of our health topic, pupils have been teaching other members of St John's community Pilates. Classes have taken place every Tuesday morning before lessons in the drama room. The photos show everyone participating in the relaxation stretches towards the end of the session. It is not just for students, staff too were invited to join in and have reported feeling much more relaxed and ready to face the challenges of the day. This has been a great opportunity for the class to share their skills with others as well as learn new ones, and is something that is going to be continued next term. Thank you to everyone who has supported this.