AN ANDOVER school has announced it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Independent Schools Association (ISA) Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing.

This recognition is a result of work undertaken by deputy head of pastoral at Rookwood School Liz Hacker.

The award submission focused on a technique called emotional assertiveness that is designed to empower pupils to recognise, understand, and manage their authentic emotions, ultimately fostering healthier relationships and improved emotional resilience.

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This approach, introduced to the school community by John Parr, a renowned psychotherapist, has gained widespread acclaim for its effectiveness in promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Mr Parr initially introduced emotional assertiveness during a staff inset training session at Rookwood School, following the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Emotional assertiveness recognises that humans function optimally when they are in a state of happiness, and it provides the tools necessary to identify and navigate emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear.

The programme emphasises that these emotions are not negative but integral parts of the human experience. By recognising them and utilising appropriate tools, individuals can effectively regulate their emotions and return to a state of happiness. Rookwood School is the first UK school to adopt this approach.

Following Mr Parr's introduction of the concept to staff, he conducted a whole school workshop to introduce pupils to the 'Feelings Wheel' and the principles of emotional assertiveness. The pupils embraced the concept, laying the foundation for further integration.

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Mrs Hacker undertook an intensive training course with Mr Parr to become a certified trainer in emotional assertiveness. Building on this training, Mrs Hacker has developed a comprehensive scheme of work that will be implemented this academic year in the school's Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) programme for Year 3, Year 6, and Year 9 pupils.

Mrs Hacker said: “This curriculum will provide pupils with a deeper understanding of emotional assertiveness, starting with the identification of emotions in Year 3, progressing to recognising emotions and learning how to manage them in Year 6, and exploring the functions of the developing brain and its impact on emotions and risk in Year 9.”

Looking ahead, Rookwood School has plans to extend the teaching of emotional assertiveness to partner schools within the Inspired Learning Group.