
Wellbeing

Wellbeing
“At POWIIS we commit to ensuring the positive emotional, psychological and social well-being of the whole community. We develop well balanced, resilient students, who show compassion and respect for others and develop positive self worth and self confidence. Every stakeholder feels able to communicate in a safe space and to seek support through challenging times.”
Key Stage 3
At POWIIS, we believe that when students feel safe, supported and happy, they are better able to thrive in all aspects of their school life. That’s why student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, especially during the crucial early years of secondary school.
We create an environment where students are encouraged to build confidence, develop emotional resilience and form positive relationships. A strong focus on wellbeing helps reduce stress, supports mental health and allows students to engage fully in their learning. Just as importantly, it teaches valuable life skills such as empathy, self-awareness and coping strategies that students carry with them well beyond school.
Tutor Groups
Each morning begins with tutor time – a daily opportunity for students to check in with a trusted adult and start the day on a positive note. Our tutors are often the first point of contact for both students and parents, especially in Key Stage 3, and they play an important role in each student’s school journey.
Tutor time is varied and engaging. Activities might include group discussions, light-hearted games, or short wellbeing check-ins using online tools like Komodo Wellbeing. These moments help students build a strong sense of belonging, and reinforce the idea that school is a place where they are known and cared for.
Counselling
Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential space for students to talk about issues that may be affecting them, whether it’s stress, friendships, anxiety or anything else on their minds.
Our trained counsellors work closely with the wider pastoral team to support students’ emotional health, following the ethical standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). For many students, simply having someone neutral to talk to can make a huge difference in their school experience.
Safeguarding
Nothing matters more to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students. Every member of staff is trained to recognise concerns and act in the best interests of the child. If something isn’t right, we act quickly and carefully to ensure students are protected and supported.
Safeguarding at POWIIS means:
● Making sure children are safe from any form of harm or abuse
● Supporting their health, wellbeing, and personal development
● Creating a caring and stable environment where they feel secure and valued
● Giving them the best possible opportunities to grow, succeed, and prepare for a bright future
We work closely with families and, where needed, external agencies to ensure every student’s wellbeing is a top priority.
PSHE
Our PSHE programme helps students grow into thoughtful, informed and confident young people. Through fortnightly lessons, students explore topics such as mental health, relationships, digital safety and decision-making. The curriculum is age-appropriate, relevant and designed to equip students with skills that matter, both now and in the future.
At POWIIS, we see PSHE not just as a subject, but as a key part of our students’ development into kind, self-aware and responsible global citizens.
Key Stage 4
At POWIIS, we understand that Key Stage 4 is a time of increasing academic challenge and personal development. As students prepare for their IGCSEs, we place a strong emphasis on wellbeing to ensure they feel supported, confident and ready to thrive.
Our approach to wellbeing in KS4 focuses on helping students manage stress, build emotional resilience and develop healthy routines. With the guidance of form tutors, pastoral leaders and our counselling team, students are encouraged to reflect on their goals, build positive relationships and take responsibility for their own growth.
We also equip students with practical life skills such as time management, self-awareness and coping strategies; these are vital both for academic success and life beyond school. At POWIIS, we believe that when students feel emotionally and mentally supported, they are better placed to achieve their best and approach the future with confidence.
Tutor Groups
Each morning begins with tutor time – a daily opportunity for students to check in with a trusted adult and start the day on a positive note.
Tutor time is varied and engaging. Activities might include group discussions, light-hearted games, or short wellbeing check-ins using online tools like Komodo Wellbeing. These moments help students build a strong sense of belonging, and reinforce the idea that school is a place where they are known and cared for.
Counselling
Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential space for students to talk about issues that may be affecting them, whether it’s stress, friendships, anxiety or anything else on their minds.
Our trained counsellors work closely with the wider pastoral team to support students’ emotional health, following the ethical standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). For many students, simply having someone neutral to talk to can make a huge difference in their school experience.
Safeguarding
Nothing matters more to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students. Every member of staff is trained to recognise concerns and act in the best interests of the child. If something isn’t right, we act quickly and carefully to ensure students are protected and supported.
Safeguarding at POWIIS means:
● Making sure children are safe from any form of harm or abuse
● Supporting their health, wellbeing, and personal development
● Creating a caring and stable environment where they feel secure and valued
● Giving them the best possible opportunities to grow, succeed, and prepare for a bright future
We work closely with families and, where needed, external agencies to ensure every student’s wellbeing is a top priority.
PSHE
Our PSHE programme helps students grow into thoughtful, informed and confident young people. Through fortnightly lessons, students explore topics such as mental health, relationships, digital safety and decision-making. The curriculum is age-appropriate, relevant and designed to equip students with skills that matter, both now and in the future.
At POWIIS, we see PSHE not just as a subject, but as a key part of our students’ development into kind, self-aware and responsible global citizens.
Sixth Form
At POWIIS, we believe that when students feel safe, supported and valued, they are empowered to achieve their full potential both academically and personally. This belief is especially important during the Sixth Form years, a time of significant personal growth, increased independence and preparation for life beyond school.
We foster an environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their wellbeing, supported by a strong network of tutors, counsellors and pastoral staff. Our approach promotes emotional resilience, balanced lifestyles and strong, respectful relationships, all of which help students manage the pressures of A Levels and future aspirations.
We also equip students with essential life skills such as self-awareness, empathy and positive coping strategies – tools they will carry with them into university, the workplace and adult life. At POWIIS, wellbeing isn’t just a support system, it’s a foundation for success.
Tutor Groups
Each morning begins with tutor time – a daily opportunity for students to check in with a trusted adult and start the day on a positive note.
Tutor time is varied and engaging. Activities might include group discussions, light-hearted games, or short wellbeing check-ins using online tools like Komodo Wellbeing. These moments help students build a strong sense of belonging, and reinforce the idea that school is a place where they are known and cared for. In our Sixth Form, some of this time is designated for university preparation and guidance where students can book 1-1 meetings with our University and Careers Counsellor.
Counselling
Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential space for students to talk about issues that may be affecting them, whether it’s stress, friendships, anxiety or anything else on their minds.
Our trained counsellors work closely with the wider pastoral team to support students’ emotional health, following the ethical standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). For many students, simply having someone neutral to talk to can make a huge difference in their school experience.
Safeguarding
Nothing matters more to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students. Every member of staff is trained to recognise concerns and act in the best interests of the child. If something isn’t right, we act quickly and carefully to ensure students are protected and supported.
Safeguarding at POWIIS means:
● Making sure children are safe from any form of harm or abuse
● Supporting their health, wellbeing, and personal development
● Creating a caring and stable environment where they feel secure and valued
● Giving them the best possible opportunities to grow, succeed and prepare for a bright future
We work closely with families and, where needed, external agencies to ensure every student’s wellbeing is a top priority.
PSHE
Our PSHE programme helps students grow into thoughtful, informed and confident young people. In our 6th Form, PSHE lessons form part of the overall tutor programme and are tailored to the specific needs of our oldest students, who are preparing to enter the wider world of university, employment and adult life. Students are taught essential life skills such as decision-making, communication and emotional intelligence. PSHE also addresses topics like mental health, relationships and financial literacy, preparing students for responsible citizenship and a successful, well-rounded life.