- Home
- In the Classroom
- Well-being and development
Well-being and development
The British Section - where children come to THRIVE
Learning to THRIVE in a changing world
At the British Section, pastoral care is central to our approach to education. We believe that children learn best when they feel known, valued, secure and supported, and that their personal development and wellbeing are inseparable from their academic progress. We take the time to understand each pupil as an individual, supporting their emotional wellbeing, developing their confidence and independence, and helping them build the resilience and self-awareness they need to flourish.
Our approach to personal development is built around three connected ideas: knowing ourselves, learning with others, and understanding our place in the wider world:
Knowing myself and becoming the best version of myself
Through pastoral care and personal development programmes, pupils are encouraged to understand themselves, recognise their strengths and areas for growth, and develop confidence, resilience and independence. They learn to make thoughtful decisions, manage challenges and take increasing responsibility for their own wellbeing and learning. As pupils progress through the lycée years, the programme develops further, with a particular focus on the habits and skills that support academic success, healthy lifestyle choices, managing pressure and time, overcoming procrastination, and building positive, respectful relationships.
We're thriving
Learning with and from others
We help pupils develop the skills and qualities needed to build positive relationships and contribute to a supportive community. They learn to listen, collaborate, communicate clearly and disagree respectfully, while developing empathy, integrity and a sense of responsibility towards others. As pupils mature, they are also encouraged to think thoughtfully about relationships, boundaries and respect.
Our thriving world
Understanding and contributing to the world around us
Our international community gives pupils daily opportunities to encounter different languages, cultures and perspectives. We encourage them to be open-minded and curious, to appreciate difference and to understand their responsibilities towards their communities and the wider world.
THRIVE in practice
In the classroom
- intellectually ambitious teaching and learning
- opportunities to question, investigate and think critically
- literature, history and geography that introduce different perspectives
- research skills, academic honesty and media literacy
- opportunities to collaborate, communicate and create
- personal development programmes supporting wellbeing, relationships, confidence and decision-making
Beyond the classroom
- outdoor learning and residential experiences
- the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
- fundraising and community initiatives
- opportunities for service and leadership
In our international community
- learning alongside pupils from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- developing multilingual and international mindsets
- engaging with different perspectives and experiences
- developing the confidence to communicate across cultures
Working together to support every pupil
Pastoral care is a shared responsibility. Close collaboration between the British Section and French teaching teams helps us develop a broad understanding of each pupil's academic progress, wellbeing and experience of school.
As pupils grow older, pastoral and careers guidance also helps them make informed choices about their academic pathways and future destinations. We support them in understanding the opportunities available to them and in presenting their international experience and Baccalauréat Français International to universities in the UK and elsewhere.
Our aim is for every pupil to leave the British Section with strong academic foundations and the confidence, curiosity, compassion and independence to thrive in a changing world.