Between the 13^th and 17^th May next week, King’s is acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week, popularised by the Mental Health Foundation. The aim is to raise awareness of topics like stress and anxiety. The theme this year is body image. At King’s we are also focusing on combating the stress and anxiety of examinations. 

The pupils will be given a series of revision cards on anti-worry and anti-anxiety as a guide so they can recognise symptoms, and included in the pack are self-help and positive thinking cards. Overall, we are de-stressing and having fun, as a relief from exams. Included in the de-stress, we are dropping everything and dancing, cuddling with 12 visiting dogs and puppies, relaxing with mindful colouring at break, having fun with friends over a Bingo night and eating a mild or hot curry and chatting with friends in the dining room. We plan to have great fun.

To recognise the theme of Body Image for 2019, there will be pop up book stalls, throughout the week, selling books focused on body positivity and self-esteem. There are more details of the books below. Pupils will have the opportunity to engage with one of the books or order one online for summer holiday reading. L6^th Form pupils have volunteered to speak to the 3^rd and 4^th Form after lessons on Tuesday 14^th May on body positivity, appreciating and celebrating our bodies for what they are and what they can do, rather than how they look. They will also talk about the impact of criticising others for the way they look. They will be using material from the Dove Self Esteem Project which you can view here.

Alison Grant - Deputy Head