Student Wellbeing

GROW

Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

The Wellbeing Curriculum at DESC is delivered implicitly across the College and explicitly within the Pastoral Calendar and GROW Curriculum. Both of which promote positive education and aim to empower students by equipping them with the skills needed to become fully rounded, successful human beings, who have a strong sense of self-awareness. We aim to nurture student who enthusiastically contribute to the community and are capable of living healthy and purposeful lives.

GROW is a unique curriculum; specialist staff, parents and external bodies actively collaborate and contribute to the development of the GROW programme.  Lessons are planned with the needs of students, teachers and parents in mind, the curriculum is live and flexible; changes are dependent on the needs of our students. Having a GROW curriculum that is both pro-active and re-active, ensures that students are educated on current issues and prepared with the tools they need to thrive.

In addition, students in all Key Stages are involved in a variety of activities that are highlighted in the Pastoral Calendar and delivered during tutor time, lessons and breaktime. The Pastoral Calendar provides opportunities to promote different areas of Wellbeing, champion positive emotions and develop character traits. Students are regularly encouraged to practise the skills and techniques they are exposed to; continually reflecting on ways in which they can improve their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others, to maximise the outcomes for students.

The GROW programme is committed to providing exceptional experiences for our students by engaging with local and international specialists. Throughout the year, guest speakers join us here at DESC to share their expertise and to enhance the provision for our students across a range of topics including; Mental Health First Aid, Self Defence, Substance Misuse and Becoming an Active Learner. Our highly talented and skilled staff body contribute regularly to the curriculum and engage students in a number of practices, such as Mindfulness, as well as Careers Education.

Parents are given the opportunity to attend information sessions and workshops that complement the GROW programme. Parent programmes are delivered by DESC’s specialist staff as well as many of our external guest speakers. Here at DESC we recognise the importance of a community approach to Wellbeing and we are committed to cultivating a community where our students can flourish.

Our GROW curriculum at DESC is one the supports the tolerant and inclusive culture we aim to create. GROW provides a platform for students to reflect upon their own wellbeing, develop an increased awareness themselves and, expands their knowledge of how to succeed both personally and academically.

Student Advisors – Information for Parents

Student Advisors are a school-based service which offers students support in a place that is familiar and safe. We are qualified professionals who have experience working with children, young people and their families.  

DESC Student Advisors offer students the opportunity to talk about things that are of concern to them, in confidence.  What is spoken about will depend on the individual, but common themes are stress, friendships, family, change, loss, feelings about self and school life.  

Student Advisors – Information for Students

A DESC Student Advisor is someone who you can talk to in a different way, someone who will listen to you very carefully, who will not judge you or tell you what to do. Student Advising is about helping you to work things out for yourself, making decisions and choices and helping you to look at things differently. It can help you to feel better about yourself.