Wellbeing literacy
One of the most important aspects of wellbeing for all ages is building a shared language through which we can conceptualise and demonstrate wellbeing. Before we can move forward on the strategies and interventions to boost wellbeing, we need to be able to communicate the elements of wellbeing. At Newcastle Grammar School, Visible Wellbeing and the SEARCH Framework demonstrate this language.
Visible Wellbeing
Visible Wellbeing™ is not a set curriculum, but rather a flexible approach which can be applied across all school contexts to help everyone thrive. The Visible Wellbeing approach is evidence-based; it includes activities, training and resources that give members of our community a language and framework that is seen, heard and felt to ensure they understand and recognise wellbeing in themselves and others.
Learn more about our Visible Wellbeing partner here.
The SEARCH Framework
As a part of the Visible Wellbeing approach, the SEARCH Framework identifies six pathways that can be taught and developed to build wellbeing. It is intended to bring wellbeing to life in practical and accessible ways both in the classroom and across co-curricular. The pathways are:
- Strengths
- Emotional management
- Attention and awareness
- Relationships
- Coping
- Habits and goals
Positive Education
Positive Education is the application of the science of wellbeing (positive psychology), through programs and practices, to give students and staff the skills required for wellbeing and improved academic, social and emotional engagement. It combines the latest in Wellbeing Science and best practice teaching to address the questions of what does flourishing look like at NGS, why is it important for our students and community to flourish and how can we live, teach and embed wellbeing into our everyday activities.
Through Positive Education, Newcastle Grammar School students learn to recognise their signature strengths and to skilfully apply them to have a significant positive impact on their lives and those around them. Strengths are the qualities and attributes we find energising, choose often and perform well. Research shows that using our signature strengths can help us buffer against, manage and overcome challenges, improve our relationships and enhance our wellbeing.
All Newcastle Grammar School students are given the opportunity to discover their signature strengths from the 24 character strengths identified by the Values in Action Institute.
Read more about the Values in Action Institute here.
Other frameworks which have been reviewed and researched, and from which NGS has adopted aspects into our program, includes:
- Visible Wellbeing – SEARCH
- PERMA – Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment
- URSTRONG Friendology (Friendship Skills curriculum)
- VIA Character Strengths
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Staff wellbeing is also a key feature of care at Newcastle Grammar School, with a range of initiatives to support all team members.
