Please see below how our students have been supported and continue to support each other during these unprecedented times and beyond.
Peer support
The Big Sister Programme
Following a staff training day, the school realised that some students would never be comfortable reaching out to a teacher, so it established a Big Sister programme to develop peer support. This involves a group of Sixth Formers, with whom younger students can share their concerns.
The Big Sister programme continues to go from strength to strength. With increased numbers and a new structural system with a director, deputy director and topic leads all appointed to help the smooth running of the programme.
One-to-ones have moved from face-to-face to online equivalents and group Google Meets have become the single opportunity for girls at home to socialise with their peers. Whether it be for revision tips or Kahoot quizzes, the teams involved work tirelessly to provide what is needed for the girls.
The Big Sister director regularly hosts team meetings with fellow big sisters, giving essential safeguarding updates and ensuring they are happy. Currently 40% of our Upper 3 students access the programmes in some way, with a continued and consistent presence a real benefit to many.
In a recent survey, when asked what has been the best thing about settling into secondary school, the highest response said ‘having a Big Sister’.
The greatest outcome however, is that many of our Big Sisters in the Sixth Form accessed a big sister or another form of peer support when they were younger. This is the main reason for applying for the role later in their school career. They see it as an opportunity to give back.
Headucate
Headucate mental health ambassadors and a buddy system for the Lower School ensure the availability of a range of people for students to speak to when they encounter problems.
During the national lockdown, the ambassadors set up a Google Classroom and posted uplifting and supportive messages to fellow students. This Google Classroom included motivational videos, helplines for the girls, and positive posts to keep the morale high.
“Although we are online, the school wellbeing programme is still thriving.” Rosa Elsey, Lead Ambassador and Wellbeing Captain.
The school also formed a partnership with the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Headucate team to support Norwich High students through the pandemic. They offered training for peer mentors, PSHE webinars and drop in clinics.
The Wellbeing Team
The school counsellor and the school nurse, are familiar presences around school and are regularly part of the daily curriculum.
The school nurse is involved in the delivery of the PSHE curriculum, highlighting difficult subjects, such as domestic abuse in relationships and how girls can examine their breasts for lumps.
Students can self-refer to the school counsellor confidentially and access face-to-face counselling sessions during the school day, which take place in a quiet, cosy space in the Lodge.
The school runs an ongoing programme of self-care education for staff and students through PSHE sessions, assemblies and staff CPD, as well as a regular counsellor’s blog, online wellbeing talks and Q&A sessions. It has also further developed its LGBTQ+ Alliance group, which holds weekly meetings in the senior school, with all year groups invited.
LGBTQ+ support
In addition to the usual staff support, PSHE guidance and assemblies, the school formed a link with Stonewall and invited their first transgender speaker. This event was well attended by students and greatly appreciated.
LGBTQ+ Alliance group has been relaunched and further developed, with weekly meetings in which all Senior School year groups are invited. They are very proactive and the group is well attended. This has allowed students to have a voice and because of this the students feel more confident to be who they want to be.
To aid this, the group have created a termly newsletter covering a range of themes.
During lockdown, the group formed a virtual Google Classroom so that students could continue to hold their bi-weekly meetings. Members of the group regularly meet with staff to share thoughts on uniform policy, PSHE guidance, use of language and pronouns in school and so on.
Community Wellbeing
Norwich High School are extremely proud of the many students who took time to think of others during the pandemic and support their local communities. Students made face masks, delivered food parcels to the elderly and baked treats to deliver to their local hospitals.
The school decided to record their covid-safe Senior School Carol Service which they shared with the wider community so all could sing carols together who were unable to attend church services. Care home and elderly residents within walking distance to the school were visited by Sixth Formers who delivered mince pies along with orders of service.
Inspiring Females – Wellbeing Event
The final Inspiring Females event of last school year was Inspiring Females: Wellbeing Online.
This wellbeing day gave a whole audience of girls a chance to focus on themselves, talk to experts and learn to appreciate the importance in taking time to care for themselves.
The students enjoyed many different activities to choose from including baking, nutrition, self-care, activate sessions, PE workshops, pets corner and closed with a film night!
The success of this event was followed up with an Inspiring Mind, Body and Soul day in March 2021.
Casper the school dog
Casper the school dog continues to provide vital and dedicated support to those in times of needs. He happily walks the grounds with those who need a break and fresh air and he picks up on distress signals and emotions and knows when to simply cuddle up.
During parts of lockdown he was unable to come into school so instead he joined assemblies virtually and made a guest appearance in the online Inspiring Females Wellbeing event.
