Every child at Catherine Wayte Primary School is respected and valued. We believe that each child is unique and has the potential to develop positive personal qualities as well as knowledge, skills and understanding.
Our school is a ‘SEAL Leading Practice School’. (SEAL = Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning.) We are recognised as having successfully established and embedded SEAL activities into our work. SEAL activities are included in some assemblies and PSHE lessons. We have run Family SEAL programmes and SEAL group activities.
If individuals are to be successful at school, at work and elsewhere, good social skills and emotional intelligence are essential. In today’s society, children may be under pressure from families, friends, school, the media and more. It is important that we acknowledge this. Emotional well-being is needed if children are to learn effectively. With this in mind, we work hard to create a supportive learning environment within our school.
Teachers attended a training day last September and agreed that we would encourage all our pupils to identify and develop positive personal qualities. We call these ‘gems’. The children have listened to stories and enjoyed discussions about ‘gems’ such as: friendship, helpfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, honesty, forgiveness, modesty and confidence. The children are aware that these gems contribute to our outlook on life and our place in the world. The children have been able to say which gems they can see in themselves and others. We praise the children when they show such qualities.
One of our group rooms has been refurbished with soft lighting, scents, music and soft furnishings to provide a comfortable and informal environment which can be used as a ‘tranquillity zone’.
The Tranquillity and Discovery Zones programme is intended to empower participants. Two members of staff have been trained to deliver the programme, which is in two parts.
Children relax in the Tranquillity Zone, as they listen to a story and imagine a beautiful, peaceful island. There they meet a wise person who helps them to recognise the gems within themselves.
Later, in the Discovery Zone, they reflect on their lives and the choices they can make. The children learn to identify gems and to apply them in day to day situations. The children are encouraged to think for themselves and to learn to understand the consequences of the choices they make.
By discovering gems within themselves and others, it is hoped that the children will: develop a greater sense of self-worth, be motivated to make good behaviour choices and have a desire to make a positive contribution to the school and wider community.
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