One Year On: Where Wellbeing and Learning Come Together at Orwell

One Year On: Where Wellbeing and Learning Come Together at Orwell

As we look back over the first year as being part of the Benenden Family of Schools, it is remarkable to see how investment, vision and purpose have come together to create something truly special for our pupils.

Our most visible iteration of that investment is our new OrWellbeing Hub: this brings together the Life Skills classroom and calm zone, the Learning Enrichment Centre and the Day Surgery in one area at the centre of the school. These warm, inclusive spaces represent the core belief of Orwell Park and Benenden: that wellbeing and learning go hand in hand and that every child pupil will thrive in the classroom when their wellbeing, and their ownership of it, is prioritised.

The OrWellbeing Hub has become a powerful expression of that philosophy in action and, with this recent investment from Benenden, we have been able to create an environment that has become the epicentre of wellbeing, where every child can feel supported, understood and equipped to succeed but also spreads the vision into all aspects of school life. 

Jo Coventry-King, Head of Learning Enrichment, feels that "the OrWellbeing Hub has transformed how we are able to support our pupils. We are so excited to be able to offer this level of individualised provision that every child can access whenever they need. They are surrounded by opportunities to learn strategies for life and connection, kindness and nurture are modelled. Proactively teaching our pupils these key skills for life is embedded in this space.” 

The staff team have noticed that pupils are using the spaces in so many different ways: study, connection, check-ins, calm-downs and gentle respite from the busy buzz of Orwell. Returning to the classroom ready to be the best learner, they are able to use the skills they are learning to support themselves and each other at each stage of school. They can also make mistakes (these are encouraged!) knowing that they will be supported to put things right and learn from them. 

Every day, pastoral staff are on hand to provide guidance, reassurance or just have a fun conversation! Caroline Brunt, Head of Wellbeing and Life Skills at Orwell Park has been the driving force behind the vision: 

“We wanted a place that would always be there for the pupils when they needed a moment of calm or where they could find a friendly face to listen. We also wanted it to be a real core for wellbeing, where we can help every child develop the skills, confidence and self-awareness to feel happy and secure in who they are while supporting the development of key skills such as friendship and executive functions that will help them navigate through the inevitable ups and downs of life!"

We deliver these skills, message and support through lessons, small group sessions, meetings, OrWellbeing Days, shared projects and, when needed, personalised individual support.

The newly appointed Year 7 and 8 OrWellbeing Ambassadors support this process brilliantly. They receive training and attend regular meetings in the hub to share their ideas and run wellbeing activities for the younger pupils at breaktimes. Through this project, they are able to encourage younger pupils to develop practical techniques to support their own wellbeing too while making their own meaningful contribution to the school community. In doing so, they develop valuable leadership skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of what they are teaching others.

Our approach is intentionally proactive rather than reactive. The aim is not just to identify difficulties when they arise, we want to proactively equip children with the tools to help them cope with whatever life throws at them. When 'wobbles' occur, we are there to support but know that the children have already learned resilience skills and ‘bouncebackability’! 

The Learning Enrichment Centre plays a vital role within this vision. Pupils are supported to develop effective study habits, organisational skills and academic independence as they prepare for the increased expectations of senior school. Learning support, scholarship extension opportunities and activities that provide stretch and challenge sit alongside the wellbeing provision, reinforcing the powerful connection between emotional wellbeing and educational success.

The environment itself has been thoughtfully designed to create a calm yet purposeful atmosphere that connects with the wonderful, natural surroundings of the school. Soft greens and pinks, natural wood finishes, comfortable seating, collaborative round tables and calming spaces all work together to foster the idea of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. The result is a space that feels collaborative, welcoming and safe.  

Wellbeing education is woven throughout daily life at Orwell Park. Through our extensive Life Skills programme (PSHE), pupils engage in age-appropriate conversations around health, relationships, personal safety, diversity, emotional wellbeing and the wider world. Increasingly important topics such as climate anxiety and eco-empathy are explored thoughtfully, helping children develop empathy, perspective as well as critical thinking skills.

Importantly, the hub also provides a safe haven for those moments when life feels overwhelming. Whether a child needs a quiet conversation, a calm space to reset, or simply reassurance from a trusted adult, they know there is somewhere they can go and someone who will listen.

The pupils themselves are really proud of the OrWellbeing Hub. They enjoy using it, spending time with their friends or studying. The impact is positive and the message is clear: wellbeing and learning are intertwined and investing in them means that every pupil benefits in whatever way they need. 

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