From Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September, Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green held a Well-being week, consisting of many events which were aimed to promote health and happiness amongst the pupils and staff. Since studies prove that optimism improves performance at school, it was fitting that a week was dedicated to welfare.
Out of the many activities, most popular was the flash-mob, an event full of dancing, allowing participants to energise themselves before the day began, with over 100 people joining in on the fun. Through the help of the schools’ Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, kindness notes were handed out to students, encouraging positive, appreciative actions between each other or with staff. Also, to promote a sense of compassion a ‘Well-being tree’, hand-made by the DT Department, was placed in the centre of the atrium, decorated with tags bearing words of kindness. Special thanks must go to Aron Whitbread and David Fernandez for all their hard work and originality in making this lasting symbol.
However, the enjoyment did not stop there; to boost physical well-being and, therefore, mental growth, forest walks and a ‘morning mile’ on the school field were two activities thoroughly favoured by both staff and pupils. For those wanting to unwind and relax, yoga classes were available and for others searching for creativity, origami, knitting and cake decorating classes were open to all. Elizabeth de Renzy Channer, Deputy Head Pastoral, stated, ‘learning a new skill, being active and connecting with others are crucial elements which contribute to our well-being and it was wonderful to see so many people engaging with the programme’.
A sense of community arose especially on the 27th, when the entire school wore a yellow accessory, reminding everybody that support flourishes within Bancroft’s. Throughout the week this thought was echoed but most important was the ongoing message promoting well-being. When asked her view on this memorable week, Victoria Talbot, the Director of Teaching and Learning, responded, ‘Having been at Bancroft’s for eighteen years and having three children here, it has been fantastic to be a part of our first truly successful Well-being week. More particularly to consider how many of the wonderful events could become embedded into our routines, such as flash-mobs and forest rambles.’ Perhaps random acts of kindness will soon become the norm amongst the pupils and staff? Their well-being and that of others is in the hands of Bancrofts school.
Sarika Patel
