11th August 2020
A major student wellbeing initiative was today launched by Girton Grammar School to foster connection between students, support a positive mindset, create breaks from screens and to maintain a link with the school beyond the classroom.
“Co-connect” is Girton Grammar School’s alternative Co-curriculum programme, launched in Term 2 during remote learning and now revamped and expanded with new activities for Term 3.
Acting Head of Girton Grammar School, Dr Emma O’Rielly, said that Girton’s Co-curriculum programme containing over 70 activities in Sport, Music, Drama, Personal Development and Community Services, is one of the things that students miss the most while not attending face-to-face learning.
“We know from surveys that we conducted during Term 2 remote learning, that our students missed one another, especially when it comes to connecting with like-minded friends through Sport, Music, Drama and Hobbies.
“The Co-connect programme was hugely popular in Term 2, and with thanks to our incredible teachers who have volunteered to run activities, we are again offering an array of fun ways for students and their families to connect during this period of isolation.
“This programme is our major student wellbeing initiative for the Term 3 remote learning period. We want our students to know that while they may be physically isolated, they are not alone.
“We know that experts are already seeing a massive impact on the mental health of young people, and many are predicting that a mental health pandemic will follow the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are encouraging students to undertake at least one Co-connect activity each week and to get their siblings and other family members involved.
“Having a fun recreational activity to look forward to each week will help to provide positive anticipation, structure and reward into the lives of our students,” Dr O’Rielly said.
The Term 3 Co-connect programme features twenty-two fun activities for members of the Girton community to enjoy via the school’s digital platform. Activities include; a bilingual French cooking class, mindfulness, basketball, colouring-in, a photography competition, workshops on writing and acting for television, a ‘spaghetti and marshmallow tower’ competition, netball, running club, Girton short film, Lego Legends and songwriting.
“This is a uniquely Girton initiative and reflects the commitment of our staff, as well as the popularity of our regular Co-curricular programme at the school, which underpins all that we value in developing good all-round citizens,” Dr O’Rielly said.
