ARIS Personalised Wellbeing Curriculum

Inspiring, empowering and transforming for better, more inclusive mental health support

Many schools struggle to provide comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support tailored to their diverse student populations. ARIS offers a unique solution - the Personalised Wellbeing Curriculum, an innovative integrated program developed by mental health experts. It features a 6-module culturally-sensitive curriculum, art therapy, counselling services and staff training.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2018

Established

639

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Community

Updated

May 2024

Through our innovation, we hope to see educational systems and policies do the following: Adopting a culturally-sensitive, inclusive approach to mental health that accounts for the diverse backgrounds students come from. Elevating mental health to be viewed as integral to the overall development of well-rounded, thriving learners and future leaders.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

1. Students struggled with mental health issues.
2. PSHE model wasn't culturally adapted for ARIS's diverse needs (52 nationalities).
3. Teachers felt ill-equipped to support complex issues.
4. Cultural stigma leading to lack of understanding/prioritization of student mental health needs in the community.
ARIS aimed to create a comprehensive, culturally-sensitive solution.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Curriculum:
A proprietary 6-module curriculum developed by psychologist Dr. Funke Baffour-Awu, based on psychological theories like CBT and Solution-Focused approach.
Modules cover topics on self-awareness, relationships, diversity, health, future preparedness etc.
Age-appropriate lesson plans and activities for students from Primary Years 4 to Diploma Programme 2 (ages ~9-18)
Counselling Services:
Dedicated counsellors and art therapist provide 1-on-1 and group counselling sessions to address in-depth mental health needs
Cultural sensitivity by providing referrals to experts across different continents

Assessment & Intervention:
DF Mood and Worry Screener administered periodically to identify students' risk levels
Data-driven interventions planned for individuals and groups based on screener results
Creative Arts/Art Therapy interventions used, especially for younger students

Staff Training:
Comprehensive mental health and child protection training to ensure a mentally safe space

How has it been spreading?

Spreading the Innovation:
ARIS has engaged in conferences in the Middle East, Africa and Europe to share their wellbeing approaches and strategies
The team have been keynote speakers at events like the Schools Now Conference for the British Council and IB global conferences.
Goals for Next 2-3 Years:
Develop a digital wellness app for students to track mental health, access tips and resources
Create a wellbeing sensory room as a relaxation space for students and staff
Make wellbeing resources/training available to other schools to spread the comprehensive model
Have senior students take on greater facilitation roles for younger students' wellbeing classes
Expand wellbeing outreach to local community schools around ARIS

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Using the WELLNESS Framework,
1. Conduct Wellbeing Needs Assessment
2. Develop early intervention strategies
3. Teaching and Learning Strategies that promote SEL
4. Establish and reinforce the links between student wellbeing and academic success.
5. Nurturing Positive School Climate and Culture
6. Effective Communication with Stakeholders
7. Staff Professional Development

Implementation steps

The WELLNESS Framework 1. Wellbeing Needs Assessment

Begin by conducting surveys to understand the unique well-being needs of your school community. This step will help you identify the specific areas that require attention and create a solid foundation for your well-being initiatives.Based on needs assessment develop strategic plan.

2. Early Intervention Strategies

Implement early intervention strategies using tools like DF Mood and Worry screeners and the DF Satisfaction Wheel of Life. These tools will help you identify students who may require additional support. By providing timely interventions, you can address their wellbeing concerns and pave the way for a healthier school environment. Products of this step include The Personalised Wellbeing Model (Curriculum) Exam Cafe, Stress and Time managements workshops, etc.

3. Learning and Teaching Strategies

Integrate well-being concepts into your curriculum and classroom practices. This can include incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) activities, mindfulness exercises, and other strategies that promote well-being and resilience among students.

4. Links between Wellbeing and Academic Success

Highlight the connection between student well-being and academic achievement. Implement interventions that address both well-being and academic needs, such as academic support programs or positive behaviour interventions.

5. Nurturing Positive School Climate and Culture

Foster a positive and inclusive school climate that promotes well-being. This can be achieved by implementing strategies to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, building positive relationships, promoting social connection, and encouraging student voice and agency. Eg Staff training sessions on mental health and wellbeing, homeroom sessions with students, mental health policies, etc

6. Effective Communication and Collaboration with Stakeholders

Establish effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and community members. Create forums for feedback and dialogue, provide ongoing updates on well-being initiatives, and engage stakeholders in the development and implementation of your school's well-being plan. Engage with Wellbeing committee, Child protection committee, Parents through webinars. Collaborate with external mental health providers for culturally relevant support.

7. Staff Professional Development and Support

Provide ongoing professional development and support for staff to effectively implement well-being initiatives. This may include training on evidence-based practices, coaching and mentoring, and providing resources and support for staff well-being. Wellbeing facilitators training, mental health 101 training, effective skills.
Improve staff wellbeing and provide support on need basis

8. Student Voice and Agency

Promote student voice and agency in well-being learning. Involve students in the development and implementation of well-being initiatives, provide opportunities for student leadership, and encourage them to take ownership of their own well-being. Wellbeing reps in each class, older students lead wellbeing sessions, teaching younger students.