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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Creating and environment which actively promotes positive social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and wellness

Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her of his community (World Health Organisation).

At Maidstone Grammar School for Girls we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our community. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole-school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable students in addition to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective wellbeing policies and procedures we can promote a safe and stable environment for students affected both directly and indirectly by mental ill health. Our community based approach reflects our school motto – non sibi sed omnibus – not for oneself but for all.

If one girl with an education can change the world, just imagine what 130 million can do.

Malala Yousafzai

How We Support and Promote Wellbeing at MGGS

Here at MGGS we are proud of the pastoral support we provide for our students. Mental Health and Wellbeing is a key part of the school development plan as we believe in the value of promoting and improving positive wellbeing amongst both staff and students.

Form Times and Assemblies – focussed activities during form times to develop wellbeing amongst students. External services and links also promoted through visiting speakers in assemblies.
RISE Days and PSHE Programme – provides the opportunity for students to engage in discussion about common mental health and wellbeing problems and for students to explore and develop strategies to cope with stressful situations.
Trips and Visits – a wide range of trips and visits are run at MGGS and these experiences help the students develop their resilience, determination and life time skills. Trips include year group team building activities and international trips.
Extracurricular Activities – MGGS provides an extensive programme of extra curricular activities that are designed to help students with their wellbeing such as sport, colouring club and Kaleidoscope.
Learning Mentors – learning mentors support students alongside the Head of Study, to develop their learning skills and manage their academic studies.
Student Support Centre – available via appointment to students in years 7-11. Sixth-form students can arrange an appointment in the sixth-form office.
Counselling Links – referrals can be made for students to access our school counsellors for regular meetings or a drop in session.
Peer Mentoring – trained student mentors can work with other students to help manage their studies and develop strategies to help them with their MGGS journey.
Form Tutors – daily contact with the form tutor allows regular check-ins with students.
Heads of Study – are available to support students wherever necessary. Each year group has a senior member of staff overseeing the work of a Head of Study and team of Tutors. Students can access support through Tutor Time or simply by approaching relevant staff in the Student Support Centre and Sixth Form Office as necessary.