Wellbeing at ACS Cobham - Lower School

Wellbeing

At ACS Cobham, wellbeing is an integral part of everything we do. It is our aim to collaboratively nurture proactive wellbeing for all. Dedicated wellbeing staff and services contribute to our overall wellbeing offer which ensures a safe, healthy and happy environment founded on mutual respect and trust.

Pastoral Care

The central aim of the Pastoral Team is to create a safe, healthy and happy learning environment. We strengthen the health, wellbeing, academics, and situations of life of the students at the school, and prevent marginalisation. Pastoral support work is carried out both on an individual and a group level, and in cooperation with our parents and families.

Two counsellors work closely with parents and teachers to identify and address the specific needs of every student. Counsellors might meet with a student as a one-off, on a regular basis for a limited time, or periodically, depending on what is best for the student. When necessary, we also refer students and families to external support specialists.


Ready to Thrive


Community


Belonging


Medical Care

PSHE

At ACS Cobham we believe that Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE) is fundamental in shaping compassionate, confident, and responsible individuals. Our PSHE programme fosters a holistic approach, integrating character development, wellbeing, and life skills, all while promoting our ACS values in every aspect of learning. Together, we nurture confident, empathetic individuals who are prepared to face the future with resilience and a sense of purpose.

We achieve this by integrating PSHE across multiple disciplines, whole cohort assemblies, and our PSHE classes which take place once every two weeks. Below is an outline of our curriculum across each of our grade levels:

GradeMental Health/WellbeingLiving in the Wider WorldRelationships
1Feelings, Healthy Eating, Keeping safe, Celebrating difference, Change and transitionsDigital citizenship and safety, Community and belongingRespect, Personal space, Bullying, Safe touch, Friendships and family
2Feelings, Supporting positive mental health, Resilience, and empathyDiversity, Respect, Digital citizenship and safety.Healthy relationships, Friendship & families, Problem-solving, Communication, Bullying
3Self-regulation, Managing emotions, Healthy lifestyle, Screen balance, Managing transitions.Diversity, Respect, Digital citizenship and safety, Social justiceFriendships, Perspective, Empathy and conflict resolution, Bullying.
4Self-regulation, Dealing with stress and anxietyDigital citizenship and online safety.Healthy relationships, Conflict resolution, Communicating difficult feelings, Bullying, Assertiveness skills
5Feelings and emotions at challenging times, How to seek support and adviceDiscrimination, Diversity, Online safetyFamilies and healthy relationships, Puberty, Healthy eating
6Managing change, loss and bereavementEquality and diversity, Online safety, Substance use, Financial decision makingHealthy relationships, Concept of consent, Reproduction
7Understanding mental health, Digital resilience, Body image, Seeking supportAlcohol and the risks, First Aid, Media balance, Peer pressure, Online presenceGender expectations, Consent, Sexual health, Forced marriage & FGM
8Healthy lifestyles, Personal safety, Alcohol and the LawOnline safety, Extremism and radicalisation, Peer pressure; Economic and careers educationHealthy and unhealthy relationships, Consent, STIs and contraception
9Balancing mental and physical health, Understanding risk and influencesSafe online behaviour, Radicalization, Introduction to financeRelationship rights and responsibilities, Sexual health, Online sexual behaviour
10Stress and coping strategies, Health services, Behavioural addictionSocial media, Financial choices, Online blackmail, Career valuesRelationship values, Diversity and progression, Pregnancy, Unhealthy relationships,
11Mental health support, Healthy lifestyles, Managing risk & personal safetyCareer pathways, Finance skills, Digital resilienceSexual health, Unhealthy relationships, Consent

Grade 12

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered via subject lessons and the advisory programme. It ensures that our students have real competence in the skills and strategies they’ve been developing throughout their PSHE education and extends the knowledge and understanding that they need to equip them for independent living and the next stage in their education or career.

Together with our College Counsellors, Pastoral team, Boarding staff and PSHE teachers, students in grade 12 focus on their life beyond ACS to ensure they are ready to thrive wherever the future takes them.

Wellbeing Awards

ACS Cobham fosters a strong sense of belonging, valuing diversity and mutual respect. With wellbeing central to its values, initiatives like flag-raising celebrate community members.

A unique leadership model prioritises wellbeing, supported by bespoke strategies and visible communication through newsletters and training, ensuring a cohesive, supportive environment for all stakeholders.

Wellbeing award for schools

MEET THE WELLBEING TEAM

Sara Thomas - Assistant Head of School - Wellbeing
Mel Nicholls - Group Lead DSL
Derya Ibrahim - Senior School and Boarding DSL
Gail Devereux - Lead nurse
Judith Kingsbury - Lower School Principal