On Wednesday 3 September, students across Secondary stepped away from their regular lessons to take part in the first Wellbeing Day of the year. This term’s theme centred on belonging, connection and wellbeing in transitions, with each year group engaged in age-appropriate activities designed to build resilience, empathy and community.

For KS3 students (Years 7–9), the focus was on Social Wellbeing and Belonging. The day began with an inspiring keynote from Christopher O’Shaughnessy, an international speaker, author and storyteller known for his work on identity, resilience and connection. Following this, students took part in high-energy team-building activities in PE, creative projects such as the Walk of the Wellness Warrior fashion challenge and the We Belong Shield, and workshops like The Friendship Toolbox.

Year 10 explored the theme Navigating Transitions and Building Connections. After listening to an inspiring talk from Chris O’Shaughnessy on change and resilience, students wrote letters to their future selves before setting out on a lively campus-wide scavenger hunt. The day concluded with a memorable Snake Awareness Workshop by Wonders in Nature, combining excitement with valuable safety learning.

For Year 11, the challenge was to create a Digital Safety Music Video. Teams collaborated across subjects including English, Drama, Music, ICT, DT and Art to storyboard, film and edit original projects highlighting the importance of digital wellbeing. The day culminated in an X-Factor-style showcase, judged by staff including Sheriff Dilts, where the most creative and impactful videos were celebrated.

The day was filled with energy, creativity and reflection, and most importantly, with opportunities to build stronger friendships and a deeper sense of community. Wellbeing remains at the heart of BISP’s philosophy, and days like this remind us how vital it is to nurture not only learning and passion, but also the social and emotional foundations that allow every child to thrive.