South Devon UTC celebrate World Wellbeing Week
South Devon UTC in Newton Abbot, part of Education South West, have been celebrating World Wellbeing Week this term, as they work towards positive emotional health and wellbeing in the whole of their college community.
The week is an annual event which provides people with an opportunity to recognise the many aspects of wellbeing, including physical, mental and emotional health. South Devon UTC has a strong focus on wellbeing and staff aim to give students the skills to look after themselves, their friends and families so they can stay mentally, and physically, fit and strong.
The UTC has an official Emotional Health and Wellbeing (EHWB) Policy which outlines how supporting student wellbeing has a range of positive outcomes including:
- Students are more engaged in the learning process
- Students can concentrate and learn better
- Improved standards in all subjects, including literacy and numeracy
- Improved attainment
- Parents and carers more involved in college life and learning
As part of the Wellbeing Week celebrations, a lucky group of Year 10 students from South Devon UTC got to shake off their usual timetables for a week and take part in a range of enrichment activities. South Devon UTC believes that promoting cultural, sporting and artistic experiences help students discover their full potential.
At the start of the week a trip to Paignton Zoo took place and the students had the chance to learn all about the exciting things the zoo is doing with regard to conservation and preserving the natural world. Paignton Zoo is home to over 2000 animals and is situated on 80 acres of land, the zoo is a registered charity and they support a number of projects in the UK and overseas that aim to help halt species decline.
The zoo trip also served to promote environmental awareness, through discussion and debate about what they had seen, students sought to understand how to look after and improve the natural environment and how they can improve the world in which we live. South Devon UTC provide regular opportunities for children to experience outdoor activities
and explore the natural world in an exciting and inspiring way.
Claire Plumb, Head of College at South Devon UTC said:
“We all know that studying is important if young people are to succeed academically and in life. However, students can only achieve their very best if we also look after their wellbeing. At South Devon UTC we are proud to support students with all aspects of their wellbeing as well as providing them with a robust education that places them on a solid career path.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“Looking after the wellbeing of young people is one of Education South West’s central missions and I am delighted that the South Devon UTC has chosen to mark World Wellbeing Week this term.”
