As we move through the school year, many educators are beginning to plan ideas for activities week at the end of the summer term. Enrichment days present a valuable opportunity to engage students in meaningful experiences that enhance their wellbeing, their feeling of belonging, and build stronger school communities.
They are also one of over 10 ways educators can choose to implement the RISE Up programme to suit their context.
At Future Action, we understand the profound impact that movement has on mental wellbeing. This is why we hosted a Sprowston RISE Up Wellbeing Day for Sprowston Community Academy at their local Cricket Club last July as part of their activities week.
The day was packed with fun and engaging activities designed to help students understand the importance of movement, develop self-care strategies, and strengthen relationships with peers and staff.
The Importance of Movement for Mental Wellbeing
Physical activity is not just about staying fit; it's also a crucial component of mental health. When we engage in movement, our bodies release "happiness chemicals" which help improve our mood.
Additionally, movement can help calm the amygdala, widen our window of tolerance, and allow us to access the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and regulating emotions.
By integrating a range of physical activities into their routine, children can build a toolbox of self-care strategies that they can rely on in the future to promote their mental wellbeing.
Team games, in particular, can help our young people feel like they belong and are loved. Enrichment days like the one we hosted are perfect opportunities to introduce these concepts in a fun and supportive environment. It is also a great way to celebrate success.
Highlights from our Sprowston RISE Up Day
We designed a series of stations that provided a variety of activities to engage students physically and mentally. Young people had the agency to choose three activities they wanted to take part in to make the day personally relevant.
Our Ravin’ Fit session with Jess had everyone dancing their hearts out and feeling the beat, boosting their energy and mood through dance.
The "You’ll Never Walk Alone" session encouraged students to walk, chat, and build self-confidence with friends. Walking together promoted mental wellbeing and fostered connections.
At our Journal Station, students reflected and expressed themselves through writing, helping them understand the positive impact of movement on mental health.
The Body Pump Circuit engaged students in high-intensity exercises like squats, push-ups, and kettlebell swings, boosting their energy and mood.
The Yoga and Body Scanning session helped students find their calm and focus on relaxation, introducing them to mindfulness and body awareness.
Inclusive team sports sessions, including Football, Cricket, Rounders, Handball, and
Zoneball, brought students together to play and build teamwork, enhancing their coordination and sense of belonging.
Our Skipping Rope Station improved coordination and fitness through skipping games, while the Mindful Colouring In Station allowed students to relax and express their creativity through colouring. It was also a great way to help young people feel safe enough to participate in some more challenging activities later on in the day.
Building Relationships and Self-Care Strategies
Enrichment days are not only beneficial for students but also for staff. They provide a unique opportunity for teachers and students to interact outside the traditional classroom setting, helping to reset and strengthen relationships. This can lead to a more positive and supportive school environment overall.
To conclude our day, students and teachers participated in a vibrant Colour Run, celebrating the success of the event and reinforcing the positive effects of movement on mental wellbeing.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
Jon Richards, the brilliant 2nd in PE at Sprowston Community Academy, shared his enthusiasm about the event:
"What a fantastic day! The kids had an amazing time learning about movement and mental wellbeing, and developing a self-care toolkit.
We've had so many comments from students and staff saying what a fun day they've had learning new skills."
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the amazing teachers at Sprowston, Sprowston Cricket Club for hosting the day, and our Future Action team for their hard work in making this event a success.
Enrichment days like this highlight the importance of integrating movement into daily routines to promote mental wellbeing. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sprowston in helping their students build healthier, happier lives.
To read Sprowston's case study showcasing the transformative impact of prioritising wellbeing and relationships, please click here.
Developing Your Wellbeing Provision
Enrichment days are one of over 10 ways you can implement the RISE Up programme in your school. Do get in touch here if you need assistance with planning your RISE Up enrichment day. We would love to hear from you.
Do You Want to Improve Your Students’ Wellbeing?
Take the first steps by completing our School Wellbeing Scorecard here.
This action will help you map your school’s wellbeing provision in just three minutes and identify the key areas to focus on for your setting.
You’ll receive a personalised report and a complimentary login to our taster ‘RISE Up’ course, where you can experience Steps 1 and 2 of our 9-Step RISE Up teacher training course.
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We offer a range of services, including courses, consultancy, keynote speaking, and our book Time to RISE Up.
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Have a brilliant half term break, and thank you for all you do for your young people.
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