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The latest update of the World Happiness Report, released earlier this month, highlights the importance of well-being for student performance. I am even more determined to put happiness at the heart of student activities at my college.
Research shows that levels of engagement are directly affected by well-being - not just at work but in every aspect of life. I believe that leaders at schools and colleges have a role to play in championing well-being, and I have certainly made a good start at my school where I am chief executive.
Widespread mental illness
But it has prompted me to question: why isn’t there a more concerted, government-led focus? A relentless focus on skills and qualifications is, of course, important. But so is supporting people to live grounded, thriving lives.
After all, ask an employer what qualities they look for in recruits and the discussion, although often beginning with a technical description, will quickly move on to teamwork, honesty, enthusiasm, social skills, taking responsibility and leadership potential. Ask someone what it is to be a good friend or neighbor, and they will give you a similar list.
We need to question how we, as educators, can improve the skills of good citizenship in young people. I would argue that the structure of most academic courses, assessments and progression (to university or work) is too one-dimensional and linear to cope with the complexities of being human. Standard academic years, the length of the college day and how learning is structured all have an impact on well-being and student success.
Take a seat at the happy cafe
During my first year at my school, I partnered with Action for Happiness, harnessing the organization’s research and tools - including its 10 keys to happier living, which are now incorporated into our tutorial program. We also set up a “happy cafe”, encouraging students to socialize outside their classrooms. This link-up is the first of its kind, and it’s just one example of us helping students to take positive action to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Never has our integrated approach to well-being been more important: according to the non-profit Young Minds, in an average classroom, three students will have a diagnosed mental illness, and many more will be battling conditions for which they have not sought help.
Social cohesion
I am a staunch believer in colleges playing a central role in social cohesion. Our interaction and close involvement with students, families, minority groups and businesses means that we are ideally placed to actively improve well-being in the local area. For some students, college can be a lifeline, not just in terms of improving their work prospects, by boosting technical and professional skills, but also by helping them to develop as a whole person. We provide emotional and practical support, set goals, and raise hopes and aspirations. The college is a community, and we must nurture and invest in that.
A year on and we are seeing some positive results. Some students have been transformed by the college’s approach: learners who couldn’t enter class on their own are now giving presentations to their peers. We have students who, despite tough family demands and circumstances, are making time to take part in extra-curricular activities, which has boosted their confidence and social skills, enabling them to engage fully in class and achieve their true potential.
Stuart Rimmer is principal and chief executive of Great Yarmouth College.
