Well-being in Education

We live in a world where family dynamics vary, so well-being may look a little different from one family to another. It’s important to reflect on what works best for each child and their unique family situation. Essential elements like exercise, sleep, and nutrition are crucial for well-being and should be accessible to all. Beyond the physical, values like love, empathy, kindness, and understanding elevate overall well-being. Research shows that practising kindness and gratitude boosts well-being, making it a powerful tool for schools to implement.

A quote that resonates with me is, “Students need to Maslow before they Bloom.” Students’ hierarchy of needs should be met before they can reach their academic potential. If their foundational needs are not addressed, they can’t fully engage in higher learning. Although perfect well-being may not be achievable, we can strive for it by creating supportive systems and routines in our personal lives and schools.

Children who are unwell—physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially—cannot perform well in school. To thrive, children need support in all these areas, which requires collaboration between parents and schools. Children spend most of their time at home and in school, so it’s crucial that both environments sufficiently support their well-being. While no home or school is perfect, we should aim for a positive and supportive atmosphere and environment where children feel safe and empowered to do their best.

For this to happen, schools need to employ competent, caring staff and have access to reliable resources. Behaviour management is key to ensuring a safe and supportive environment. When children are happy and healthy, they perform better academically. Positive student-teacher relationships are essential; when children feel loved and cared for by their teachers, they are more likely to thrive. This sense of care enhances their well-being and creates a strong foundation for academic success.

Building strong relationships with students is crucial to their well-being. When students know their teachers genuinely care, they open up and share their thoughts and feelings. This leads to better mutual understanding, strengthening relationships and improving well-being for everyone involved. These relationships positively impact academic, emotional, and social development. When we invest time in fostering trust, we create an environment where well-being can flourish.

Although negative life experiences are unavoidable, we can help children build resilience in order to successfully navigate them. Resilience and emotional intelligence should be incorporated into school curricula. Children from unconventional or challenging family backgrounds may need extra support. As educators, we should be sensitive to these unique needs and offer appropriate care.

Teacher well-being is equally important. Teachers who are well-supported are better equipped to support their students. Schools need to prioritize staff well-being by offering manageable workloads, fair compensation, and access to support services. When teachers are supported, they are more effective in their roles, which benefits students.

The dynamic between parents, students, and staff is central to well-being in education. Research shows that children whose parents are actively involved in their education perform better. Parent engagement is essential to creating a well-rounded and supportive learning environment.

In today’s digital age, AI and technology have both positive and negative effects on well-being in education. Monitoring screen time and ensuring online safety are critical concerns. Excessive screen use has been linked to anxiety and depression, so we must protect students from these harms. However, technology can also be a tool for enhancing well-being. AI tools and some online resources can improve learning experiences and promote overall wellness if used responsibly.

It’s important for schools to strike a balance, leveraging technology’s benefits while mitigating its risks. Leadership in schools need to show care for students, parents and staff by taking appropriate action to promote change, and foster success for all stakeholders. Being approachable and responsive to the needs of both staff and students should be prioritised.

Whilst the journey toward improving well-being in education is ongoing, small steps can lead to significant progress. Each positive change, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on the well-being of students and educators alike. One person at a time, we can make a difference.

Surveys and data have their place, however taking the time to regularly check in and ask how people are truly feeling can have a significant impact on their well-being. Genuine conversations build trust and contribute to a positive, supportive school community. These conversations require time and effort, however, the impact on both individual well-being and overall organisational success is undeniable.

Written by Rene De Gee, Senior Leadership Team member and Counsellor

My name is Rene' Ruth Oliver-De Gee. I am currently on the Senior Leadership Team and also a School Counsellor at The English Modern School Al Khor. My education journey began with my first bachelor's degree in Administration. I worked in a school founded by my father in South Africa for many years. I taught in the school and worked in administration for several years. I led the youth department of up to 300 middle and high school students for more than 15 years. I was involved in public speaking and had the opportunity to travel abroad. I returned to studies just before turning 40 years old and completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Education Cum Laude as well as my Honours in Psychology. I have interpersonal skills and am passionate about education and psychology. I believe in genuinely listening to students and people intently, understanding them and building a rapport with individuals to see them succeed. I have seen success in my field using these strategies. I believe that this approach is lacking in education and my goal is to advocate for these ideals. I am a mother to two young adult daughters who have also been a practical learning experience for me. I believe that overall wellbeing is essential to individual success.