The school hosted its student wellbeing forum, promoting open dialogue on mental health, resilience, and student support. To further support student well-being, both within our school and the wider community, The Aquila School organized its first Aquila Student Well-being Forum. This groundbreaking initiative gathered 80 students from five different schools, aiming to foster a collaborative effort in shaping a shared vision of well-being for students within our schools.Departing from the traditional top-down approach to well-being discussions, where adults typically lead the conversation, this forum placed the microphone in the hands of the students. It provided a platform for them to articulate their challenges, share experiences, and suggest proactive measures that could be taken to enhance well-being within their school environments.During the forum, students offered valuable insights based on their personal experiences and observations. The dialogue focused on creating an inclusive vision of well-being, acknowledging the unique challenges students face, and empowering them to actively contribute to shaping the well-being landscape within their schools.A noteworthy outcome of the forum was the call for greater recognition and seriousness towards student councils. Students emphasised that student councils possess a nuanced understanding of the challenges their peers face, making their insights invaluable in creating effective well-being strategies. Additionally, students advocated for reducing academic pressures, creating a more relaxed environment, and promoting friendly events that facilitate interactions between students from different schools without the competitive edge of inter-school competitions.As we reflect on the success of this inaugural forum, The Aquila School looks forward to continued collaboration and dialogue, ensuring that student voices remain at the forefront of our well-being initiatives. Stay tuned for updates on future well-being forums and the positive impact they create within our school community.
