Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (World Health Organisation).


At Macmillan Academy, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to all pupils, their families and members of staff and Trustees / Governors. The aim of the academy is to encourage all stakeholders to pursue mentally and physically healthy lives.



Curriculum Coverage

As part of our commitment to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, all Key Stage 3 and 4 students cover a wide range of topics during PSHE sessions.

Year 7
Students cover the following topics; looking after yourself, self confidence, self esteem, kindness and Mind's 'Time to change' mental health project.

Year 8
Students cover the following topics; self esteem, what is mental health?, body image, emotional health, managing social media, and the importance of being kind.

Year 9
Students cover the following topics; self esteem, anger management, stress management and managing mental health (5 ways to wellbeing).

Year 10
Students cover the following topics; depression, schizophrenia, dementia, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism, Tourette's Syndrome, mental and emotional health, change, mental health strategies and resilience.

Year 11
Students cover the following topics; mental health and stress, exam preparation and dealing with exam stress.



Student Support

For students experiencing a mental health difficulty we have a range of different resources at our disposal in the academy. Students will be directed towards the most appropriate avenue for support.

  • Student support base (a quiet space for students experiencing a mental health difficulty)
  • Learning support base (for students with a SEN need)
  • 6 week wellbeing and self-esteem courses run by the intervention team
  • Peer mentoring (Head Starters) - Suitable for pupils in Year 7 and Year
  • 1 to 1 support - Suitable for all pupils as required through our Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
  • The academy works with students and parents to signpost local organisations/more specialist support, for example: The Bungalow Project, Hart Gables and The Junction.




  • Support for Parents

    For students experiencing a mental health difficulty we have a range of different resources at our disposal in the academy (see above). The DFE has produced a list of websites/ providers that any parent can access to get extra support at home.

    CLICK HERE to view the mental health and wellbeing resources for children and young people.

    Mental Health Policy



    Kooth

    You're not alone - Kooth is still available to access during the summer holiday period.

    If you or someone you know needs extra wellbeing support during the holidays, Kooth are here.

    CLICK HERE for more information.



    HeadStart
    HeadStart - giving all Middlesbrough's children and young people the necessary support to build resilience to achieve good emotional health.

    The aim of the HeadStart school programme is to make sure that children and young people are happy and enjoy their time at school.

    There are many things that impact on the emotional well-being of children; falling out with friends, the pressures of social media, keeping up with studies. We want all our pupils to have good emotional health, to have the skills and confidence to cope, solve problems, achieve well and be happy.

    Headstart is a whole school approach where everyone feels safe and comfortable to be themselves, learn and develop in a positive environment and access support when needed.

    HeadStart services within school are:

    Staff development - our staff have access to training that enables them to be able to better respond to the emotional needs of pupils.

    HeadStart Reach partnership - delivering support to pupils who may be struggling at an early stage to stop issues from escalating.

    Tootoot - a digital tool for pupils to self-report any issues of concern they may have is they would rather not speak in person.

    Transition - support offered for young people to make the move from primary to secondary as easy as possible.

    HeadStarters - a training pathway for young people to develop school based projects and support the delivery of HeadStart.

    Our school is committed to the HeadStart principles to allow every young person to have the best possible experience and outcomes throughout their school journey.

    headstart logo
    CLICK HERE to view the latest HeadStart news letter.