Mental Health and Wellbeing
S3 Elective
The Mental Health and Wellbeing course enables candidates to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” and encourages them to consider how they can apply these to support their own wellbeing. This course is suited for candidates who are keen to learn more about this topic and willing to participate in a range of practical activities linked to each of the five ways to wellbeing.
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Focussing on the five ways to wellbeing gives you the opportunity to develop your personal knowledge and skills to take a proactive approach to supporting your wellbeing. You will experience a wide range of self-care activities and through practical tasks be encouraged to identify those that you find most helpful and enjoyable. Candidates work both independently and co-operatively to develop thinking and interpersonal skills. This makes mental health and wellbeing an ideal platform for developing confidence, resilience, responsibility, initiative, decision making and the ability to work with others. Experiential learning activities encourage pupils to identify the benefits of a wide range of activities and through personal reflection support an informed approach to personal wellbeing. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy learning in practical ways and trying new things.
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
The course consists of five units that will be taught predominantly in a practical setting:
1. Connect:
In this unit students will learn about the importance of connecting with others to support wellbeing. They will explore opportunities and participate in activities which encourages connections with others in both the school setting and within the wider community.
2. Give:
In this unit pupils will experience how giving to others can be beneficial to your wellbeing. Activities will involve spending time supporting others within the school and exploring volunteering opportunities in our local community.
3. Be Active:
Pupils will focus on the scientific benefits of physical activity for our wellbeing and will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of physical activities. Pupils will also reflect on the frequency and level of intensity required to ensure these benefits are accessed.
4. Keep Learning:
Pupils will be encouraged to engage in new activities and develop new skills. The focus during this unit will be to develop a positive mindset, foster a “have a go” attitude and reflect on how this can benefit our wellbeing.
5. Take Notice:
During this unit pupils will focus on the importance of taking notice of our surroundings and being aware of the present moment. They will also be developing their ability to take notice of their thoughts and feelings and how they may use the decider skills to manage responses to situations to support positive outcomes.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework tasks will involve practical activities encouraging pupils to further develop skills, techniques and healthy routines.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
Assessment will involve personal reflection and identification of helpful habits which aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
All future employment possibilities will benefit from you taking a proactive approach to supporting your wellbeing. A wide range of careers are also available within the Health and Wellbeing sector e.g. psychologist, nurse, counsellor, dietitian, nutritionist, personal trainer, health promotion, sport and exercise scientist, PE/HE teacher, doctor, health visitor, reflexologist, health researcher
Some of the employability skills which are developed through undertaking this course are:
Leadership:
Throughout the course you will have to communicate with others both when participating in practical tasks and when supporting others. You will also be given the opportunity to plan and take responsibility for your own self-care routines.
Co-operation:
Many aspects of this course involve working with others to support wellbeing. Through partner, group and whole class tasks you will have to learn how to work well with others to achieve success.
Problem Solving:
Across all five units of work you will be required to develop a reflective and solution based approach to determine helpful coping strategies and discover how best to support wellbeing.
Planning and Organisation:
You will be encouraged to plan and develop healthy habits and routines whilst identifying supports at home, school and within your local community.
Taking Initiative:
You will be focussing on personal responsibility and how to take the lead in supporting your wellbeing.
S4 and beyond
Progression will be dependent on application in this course, and this will be discussed with learners throughout the year in collaboration with the class teacher. Pupils may have the opportunity to continue to study within this area in S4 through National 4 or 5 Mental Health and Wellbeing. This would then allow progression to an NPA Level 6 course in Sports Development where pupils would be able to apply their knowledge of the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” to support the wellbeing of others.
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Eathan
I would take this course if you enjoyed fitness and teamwork challenges, and enjoy working out and fun activities such as team building and leadership.
I chose this because I wanted to learn more about Mental Health.
Chloe
I chose this course because I wanted to learn about Mental Health conditions and I thought it would help me in the future with Psychology also.
I have enjoyed the mindfulness and games, and the extra PE lessons we have done.
Nicola
I chose this course because I wanted to learn about mental health.
I enjoyed activities we did such as boxing, helping in the community and making positive things such as teacher of the month cards.
I would recommend this course if you enjoy learning about being more helpful, and if you like being active and knowing more about mindfulness.