Written by Ms. Harnisha Singh, school counsellor, Primary
How does one define well-being? The Oxford Dictionary defines well-being as ‘a good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity’. The ability to manage stress, having a sense of purpose, good mental health and high life satisfaction are characteristics of well-being. Well-being and mental health are kind of intertwined concepts which greatly impact the quality of lives of individuals.
Mental well-being forms the foundation of our general wellbeing as it profoundly influences the way we think, act, learn, grow and interact in our daily lives. Any education landscape that is dynamically evolving, will create a responsibility in promoting, fostering, and ensuring positive mental health, thereby being an important investment for the future of education. In schools, thus, an ideal environment should be pursued, one that encapsulates the full, sound development of students, and one that is the basis for their healthy and resilient future.
The mental health and well-being of individuals help in the following ways:
•Regulation of emotions
•Delve into Cognitive development
•Gain ability to concentrate and focus
•Form a positive view of oneself
•Enhancing motivation and self-esteem of oneself
•Establish positive relationships
•Inculcating Empathy into oneself or Others
•Reduction in behaviour problems
IB curriculum is one such curriculum that is both known and sought after but, at the same time, it is challenging and demanding. Best IB schools in Gurgaon try to instill learner attributes in their students that do guarantee success, but academics and external pressures can come to endanger the mental and physical well-being of a student if there are burnouts that are not addressed in due course of time. Thus, promoting mental well-being in an IB curriculum framework is required for a student’s overall success. The IB student profile is at the core of IB philosophy that aims to produce well-rounded students who are both academically able and emotionally and socially balanced. This includes cultivating an International Baccalaureate school culture that believes in mental health and nurtures the same with resources and support systems. The International Board Schools in Gurgaon would need to work on developing a nurturing environment which enables students to cope with stress and pressures.
Such an environment should be backed by support systems like:
Open Communication: An environment in which students can voice their concerns freely and seek guidance should be established. Facilitating mutual dialogues among the students, educators, and parents to focus on mental health problems in a solution-focused manner, specializing in early intervention strategies.
Counselling Services: Offering trained professionals who set up regular meetings to discuss the pressures and personal issues faced by the students.
Positive School Environment: An environment that is safe and inclusive through anti-bullying policies, activities that promote inclusivity, kindness as well as empathy with the school children.
Peer support initiatives: Creating buddy systems to build community by engaging peer groups.
Maintaining routine check-ins: Checking-in with students on a regular basis to monitor their mental well-being.
Working with parents: A collaborative approach towards the welfare of the student by keeping the communication channels to the parents open.
Teaching Stress Management: Introducing students to stress management education that prepares them to manage stress using appropriate techniques.
At MRIS IB School Sector 46 Gurgaon, student’s health and wellness are the cornerstone of our philosophy. Our highly skilled facilitators and counsellors provide early identification and timely intervention of any emotional or behavioural challenges observed in students. Building a positive and trusted environment where every student feels safe to express their emotions without any fear of being judged is of paramount importance. Manav Rachna International School IB board, the Top IB School in Gurgaon, fosters a high element of trust amongst students by showing kindness, empathy, and a sense of inclusion.
Our school counsellors are a team of well qualified and trained mental health experts who work with students individually and collectively to create a school environment that leads to healthy learning, living, and growth. The team works continuously with the parents, teachers and department heads to create a warm and caring environment for subsequent academic growth for each student. Our school’s counselling approach is preventive as well as responsive. We believe in –
• Student Advocacy
• Providing Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Mental Health Education
• Parental Involvement
• Promoting a Positive School Environment
It is important to understand and acknowledge the demanding pressures on students of the IB curriculum by both educators and parents and create a supportive environment that prioritises mental health. By encouraging candid conversations, establishing a robust support system, and advocating a good school-life balance, students can succeed academically and enjoy emotionally healthy lives.
To conclude, the constant emphasis on holistic development of students has led MRIS IB School Sector 46 Gurgaon to establish itself as а leader in empowering young minds. Our aim is to encourage every young person into flourishing, becoming strong and finding success throughout their life. We are of the opinion that a comprehensive approach, namely dealing with psychosocial, moral, and physical aspects besides their academic requirements, is a must for our student’s progress. The school fosters a positive environment where each child is seen and supported.