Dubai School Adds Mental Health Curriculum

Just as physical health is important and crucial, without mental health humans cannot function in their everyday life and tasks. In light of that a private school in Dubai is taking into consideration mental health and its education.

Brighton College Dubai launches mental health and well-being studies as a part of the curriculum to help teach on how to lead happier lives and be more positive under its new mental health curriculum.

The curriculum will be taught during school hours and will be aimed at those of years 12 and 13, aged between 16 and 18 and will devote an hour every week to mental health studies.

Joe Hall, head of sixth form at Brighton College Dubai, who will implement the mental wellness curriculum, said he would focus on building the basics of emotional health and well-being in the school community.

"It would be about pupils identifying their own psychological and emotional strengths. Pupils will discuss their own journeys and reflections," Mr Hall said.

“The program recognizes that all children have particular strengths and potential to be very happy.

"It is about celebrating and reinforcing their strengths, rather than focusing on the negatives."

The Covid-19 outbreak left a mark on everyone, especially children as they are still developing and shaping their minds. The pandemic caused chaos leaving a mark on everyone with anxiety.

“A huge part of my role will be supporting Brighton College sixth form pupils beyond the curriculum and academic studies, and supporting them with character development and how to adapt and be prepared for a post-Covid world," Mr Hall said.

The mental health curriculum is based on the Perma model, a theory of happiness. The Perma model stands for positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishments.

The program will be conducted over two years, after which pupils will receive a certificate called The Brighton Charter.

Image Source: Yalla Schools

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here