Wellbeing and Character Development
A Values Driven Approach

Wellbeing and Character Development at Raoul Wallenberg International School

At Raoul Wallenberg International School (RWIS), we believe in a holistic approach to education, placing equal value on all aspects of student growth and development, including social, emotional, physical, and academic dimensions. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals is embodied in our comprehensive Wellbeing and Character Development programme.

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Class Connect Sessions

Every morning, each class at RWIS begins with a 15-minute "Class Connect" session. These sessions provide an essential opportunity for students to connect with each other and their teacher, engaging in a variety of character development activities. These activities are designed to cultivate key traits such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, leadership, and social and cultural awareness. They also provide an opportunity to build class routines and structures that support a well functioning school community. This practice not only strengthens the classroom community but also encourages students to develop into compassionate, driven, and socially responsible individuals.

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Student Well-Being
Student well-being at RWIS is managed through a restorative justice practice model. This approach prioritises repairing harm and restoring relationships, rather than merely punishing misbehaviour. It encourages students to take responsibility for their actions and fosters a supportive and respectful school environment.

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RWIS has a dedicated School Well-Being Team that guides the implementation of a comprehensive framework for well-being and character development. This team ensures that our well-being curriculum is integrated across all year levels, providing consistent support and resources to students. The well-being framework includes regular assessments and activities designed to enhance students' emotional and social skills, contributing to their overall development and success.

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Restorative Justice and Positive Discipline

Naturally, issues arise in schools from time to time. At RWIS, we take a student-centred and restorative approach to these challenges. Students are supported in taking ownership of their actions as well as the steps they will take to restore relationships, routines, or items that have been disturbed due to their actions. This aligns with our student-centred approach to teaching and learning and ensures that students always have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. In the end, we all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them

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Safeguarding Systems and Policies
The safety and well-being of our students are of paramount importance at RWIS. We have developed robust safeguarding systems and policies to protect our students. These measures include:

• Clear procedures for reporting and addressing concerns related to student safety.
• Regular training for staff on safeguarding practices and protocols.
• Comprehensive background checks for all staff and volunteers.
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our safeguarding practices to ensure their effectiveness.
 

Our safeguarding policies are designed to create a secure learning environment where students feel safe and supported. By prioritising their safety, we enable students to focus on their personal and academic growth without fear or distraction.

 

Community Time
At RWIS, we recognise the importance of building a strong school community. Every Friday from 11:45 to 12:30, the entire school engages in various community-building activities. This "Community Time" includes:

Class-Led Assemblies: Students have the opportunity to take the stage and share examples of their learning and character development. These assemblies foster public speaking skills and build confidence.
Buddy Time: Younger and older students are paired up to undertake a range of learning activities together. This promotes mentorship and strengthens bonds across different year levels.

Guest Speakers and Workshops: We invite guest speakers and organise workshops that focus on developing students' character and supporting their well-being. These sessions provide valuable insights and inspiration for our students.

These activities are designed to develop students' character, support their well-being, and foster a sense of community within the school.

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Service and Experiential Learning: Through these sessions, students participate in class-level and whole-school projects, which include a variety of service and experiential learning opportunities.

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In conclusion, the Wellbeing and Character Development program at RWIS is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. By integrating character development activities, a restorative justice practice model, a dedicated well-being team, stringent safeguarding policies, and structured community time, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to be empathetic, resilient, and responsible global citizens.