Student Well-being
The well-being of our students is of the utmost importance at the International School of Western Australia.
We have a number of whole school programs, as well as Primary School and Secondary School specific initiatives, to help nurture the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and ethical development of our students.
Additionally, as a smaller school, both our teaching and non-teaching staff know all of our students and all of their families. We work closely with families to ensure that students are provided with the structure and support to overcome challenges, build resilience, and to feel safe and welcome in our close-knit school community.
Primary School Well-being
Student Well-being is a fundamental focus in our approach to Primary School.
It is widely acknowledged that the social and emotional skills, knowledge, and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience.
Emotional well-being is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success, and satisfaction throughout life. Research shows that student well-being programmes in schools can be significant in helping students develop such well-being. Well-being programmes are also credited with contributing to reductions in classroom misbehaviour and bullying.
Our Primary School students participate in a wide range of well-being initiatives, including the following programmes:
- Zones of Regulation: A programme designed to foster self-regulation and emotional control in younger children.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness plays a key role in the Primary Well-being Programme, with students partaking in such activities at least once a week. This ensures that they begin the academic day in an energised, positive state and have a clear mind for their day of classes.
- Buddy Program: Our Buddy Program pairs younger and older students together for a variety of activities in the week. This helps our Primary students feel a strong sense of belonging during their learning journey at ISWA.
Secondary School Well-being
At each year level, Secondary students experience programmes and activities which nurture their physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and ethical development.
Homeroom
As part of our holistic approach to education, all students in the Secondary School belong to a Homeroom, with two Homeroom teachers overseeing their learning and well-being journey. They also participate in our Student Well-being Programme, which includes lessons and activities that promote international-mindedness, open-mindedness and cultural-mindedness.
Well-being Programmes & College Counsellor
Students participate in a variety of well-being programmes which include “Rights, Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships”, as well as continue to develop their Approaches to Learning skills: thinking, communication, self-management, research, and social skills. Students also participate in team building activities and House competitions as part of their Homeroom experience. Year 11 & 12 students have access to the College Counsellor during designated Homeroom time, which allows them a wonderful opportunity to learn more about post-secondary education.
Mindfulness Activities
Mindfulness also plays a key role in the student Well-being Programme. Three mornings a week, all secondary students participate in “Morning Exercise” before school. This ensures that they begin the academic day in a positive state and have a clear mind for their classes.
Cross-generational Friendships
Secondary students feel a strong sense of belonging during their learning journey at ISWA. Cross-generational friendships are promoted with a variety of activities taking place. During the first twenty minutes of the lunch break, all students gather in the grassed quadrangle and socialise. During the warmer months, students are often seen playing a variety of sports on the pop-up courts, which include volleyball and basketball.
