Beyond the obvious: weaving wellbeing into Abingdon's fabric by Helen Keevil, Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Abingdon and modelling core values. Mistakes are seen as growth opportunities, reinforced by our "Retrace" program for selfreflection. The Wellbeing Hub supports parents, aligning home and school efforts in emotional literacy and mental health, with tutors regularly checking on student wellbeing. A culture of open support Seeking help is a sign of strength. Our clear support structures, from peer mentors to a multi-layered pastoral team, ensure students and staff find assistance for academic, social, or personal challenges. We constantly refine our teaching and learning environments, promoting metacognitive thinking and empowering students through reflective feedback. Navigating the digital world We integrate digital literacy, teaching critical evaluation and responsible AI use. Students learn about online consequences and regulate digital behaviours, supported by policies like our age-appropriate phone use rules. Good sleep hygiene is also emphasised. Holistic transition and strong partnerships Our comprehensive onboarding ensures a "soft landing" for new families, with tailored support for neurodiverse pupils. Strong parental engagement is facilitated through direct contacts and the Wellbeing Hub, which provides mental health resources and training. We also prioritise staff wellbeing, fostering a supportive culture through regular surveys and dedicated groups. Ultimately, wellbeing at Abingdon is a lived experience, ensuring students thrive. We gather a wealth of data, from staff observations and pupil surveys (like Oxwell) to feedback from RSE lectures, PSHCE quizzes, and verbal insights from pupils, parents, and colleagues. Counsellor reports, Pastoral Committee themes, and even photographs offer glimpses into student experience. Pupil interviews, school council discussions, and wellbeing displays celebrating resilience all contribute. Even our marketing highlights our pastoral care. However, these are just indicators; the true measure of wellbeing at Abingdon lies in everyday interactions and the palpable sense of a caring community. The power of connection: feeling seen and valued Imagine a school where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. At Abingdon, this is a daily reality. Our Senior Leadership Team and duty staff greet pupils by name, fostering immediate positive connections. We celebrate community members through assemblies and personal letters, acknowledging every strength. Heads of House nominate students for good deeds, publicly and privately, with House wall displays proudly recognising these achievements. This continuous affirmation builds a profound sense of belonging and mutual respect. We constantly reflect on our pupils' experiences, both online and offline, with psychological safety as a cornerstone. Our extensive co-curricular programme, The Other Half, allows pupils to explore shared passions, mixing across year groups and houses, fostering social connections and helping them find like-minded friends. Our staff skilfully navigate friendship issues, clearly communicating expectations for healthy relationships, with strong parental support. We recognise and support pupils facing unique challenges, adapting environments when necessary - from addressing anxieties around food choices to creating quiet zones. The nurturing interaction between staff and students, extending beyond the classroom to clubs, trips, and events, truly underscores our commitment to each individual. Fostering resilience and support We cultivate resilience by celebrating positive actions With the new ISI framework from March 2025, schools are more focused than ever on student wellbeing. But how do you measure something as "intangible" as wellbeing? We believe it should be woven into every thread of daily school life. 6 September 2025 News Abingdon
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