Find out more
At Wellington, wellbeing is not treated as a standalone initiative. It is embedded in daily school life and directly linked to how pupils learn, perform and manage pressure.
In the build-up to half-term, that commitment was evident through two complementary events: student-led Connect Week, followed by a whole-school assembly exploring the neuroscience of focus and resilience.
Together, they provided pupils with practical, evidence-informed strategies to support energy, concentration and mental wellbeing, particularly at a point in the term when academic demands begin to intensify.
Connect Week
Connect Week was initiated by the Prefect team, creating space for pupils to reflect on the theme “Connect with Yourself”, with a focus on health and mindfulness ahead of exams.
A highlight of the week was a lunchtime nutrition stand hosted by the V&A. Supported by our catering partners, Sodexo, the stand offered pupils free samples of lower-sugar snacks and drinks, alongside the opportunity to speak directly with a professional nutritionist.
Sophie Wallis, Sodexo’s nutritionist, joined Mike Wyndham, Head of Wellbeing & Physical Fitness, to answer questions about:
- Fuelling effectively for learning and sport
- Smart snack choices during long school days
- Hydration and sustained energy
- The relationship between diet and sleep
A central message was the impact of reducing added sugar. Spikes and dips in blood sugar can affect concentration, mood and energy. By making simple adjustments, pairing carbohydrates with protein or fibre, choosing water over sweetened drinks, and avoiding late-evening sugary snacks, pupils can support steadier focus in lessons and more consistent performance in training and fixtures.
The aim was not to impose strict rules, but to build understanding. These are habits that support academic performance now and independence later.
Alongside the nutrition stand, a yoga session led by Mrs Gutulan offered pupils a practical opportunity to slow down, breathe well and reset during a busy week.
The Science Behind the Message
The following week, the focus on wellness continued with a whole-school assembly from neuroscientist and educator TJ Power, introduced by Mike Wyndham.
TJ’s session centred on his DOSE framework, an explanation of four key brain chemicals that influence motivation, mood and resilience:
- Dopamine supports drive and focus, particularly when pupils set clear goals and track progress.
- Oxytocin strengthens connection and trust through positive face-to-face interaction.
- Serotonin underpins calm confidence and stable mood, supported by consistent sleep, daylight exposure and balanced nutrition.
- Endorphins help reduce stress and increase energy, released through movement, laughter and exercise.
Crucially, the session translated neuroscience into practical daily behaviours. Pupils were encouraged to reduce unnecessary screen time and doomscrolling, spend more time outdoors, protect sleep routines, move regularly throughout the day and be fully present in their interactions.
Staff have already begun weaving these ideas into tutor time and lessons, reinforcing consistent routines that support both wellbeing and performance.
The level of engagement from pupils and staff across both initiatives reflected how central wellbeing is to life at Wellington.
As the term gathers pace, we will continue embedding these practical strategies into daily routines, supporting pupils to remain focused, balanced and resilient in the busy months ahead.
