A learner’s
education is not only about academia, it also incorporates how to deal with
life, making relationships and understanding our emotional intelligence. A
learner’s mental health is as important as their physical health and their
academic achievements. Mental health is something we all have. When we enjoy
good mental health, we have a sense of purpose and direction, the energy to do
the things we want to do, and the ability to deal with the challenges that
happen in our lives.
Covid 19 has
played a massive part in shaping students’ thoughts and feelings about their
education and many of those who return in September may struggle with the
changes they will need to adapt to. Even the most confident have had six months
of a challenging environment where they may have lost family members or been
isolated for long periods of time.
FEO Member Sue Altass and her Inspireignite co-director Hannah Cheshire, felt that emotional learning should start earlier in schools, so that learners can build coping mechanisms and resilience to challenges they may face. For Entrepreneurs these soft skills are critical.
An understanding of Emotional Intelligence - how to deal with your mental health, is something that Sue and Hannah felt needs to be in in primary and secondary schools to build confidence and belief in students’ own
abilities. The government has now recognised this and brought it into the school curriculum from
September 2020.
Sue and Hannah believe one of the biggest and hardest steps for a learner to deal with emotionally is from Primary to Secondary education, the second being from school to work. Learners often know where they are going and have met their class tutor, however, are not always mentally prepared for what lies ahead.
Inspireignite’s range of programmes have been created to give teachers, parents
and carers all of the tools required to support in building knowledge of their
learner’s emotions and focuses their ability to embrace life. To help deal with
the struggles and stress that happens at school and in work.
Sue and Hannah have also released a series of books, audio and educational tools to use with their Transition programme to enable and support a smoother move for learners from primary to secondary school. They introduce two new characters Positive Parrot and Negative Newt to support children on their journey to help start secondary school with a positive attitude.
