Manchester High School for Girls is letting students off homework for a week and offering extra fun activities to promote their wellbeing.
Manchester High School for Girls is holding “Balance Week” this week, featuring dozens of alternative opportunities for all its pupils and staff, designed to emphasise the importance of a work-life balance, resilience and rest.
Head mistress Helen Jeys, said: “This week is about teaching our pupils to remember to take care of themselves. If we do not take the necessary time to pause, reflect, rest and replenish our mental reserves, ultimately our ability to perform to the best of our ability is compromised.
“MHSG is dedicated to nurturing all of our pupils as individuals and enabling them to reach their full potential – promoting and protecting their wellbeing is an integral part of that process.”
Alongside normal lessons, pupils’ lunch hours are set aside for them to try out different activities, to encourage them to try something outside of their comfort zone and to find new hobbies and skills. Girls have had the option to try everything from circus skills and archery to chocolate masterclasses, self-defence, martial arts, skateboarding and fragrance workshops.
MHSG student Eve, said: “We have loved the opportunities Balance Week has provided. Having the time and chance to participate in such a vast range of fabulous activities has encouraged us all to reflect on the ways we balance our commitments while prioritising our wellbeing and has reminded us of the need to simply take a break and have fun!”
Mrs Jeys added: “We believe that a happy student is far more likely to achieve academic success. Character and the building of character are particularly important to us.
“Helping pupils to develop the skills and experiences to be resilient, tenacious and confident as well as those strategies that aim to help them cope with stress will ultimately prepare them for their future, way beyond the school gates.”
