One vital aspect of our Advisory curriculum is ‘Social and Emotional’ Learning (SEL). Which describes the mindsets, skills, attitudes, and feelings that help students succeed in school, career, and life, such as growth mindset, grit, and sense of belonging at school.  At it's most basic, SEL incorporates three pillars: social connectedness, motivation, and self-regulation.

‘Rock and Water’ is a SEL programme we use with our Year 7 and 8 students. The program uses physical exercises and role-playing activities to teach students how to manage emotions, communicate effectively, and handle challenging situations. The 'rock' represents a stable and assertive stance, while the 'water' symbolizes adaptability and flexibility. By engaging in these activities, participants learn to balance firmness and flexibility in their interactions, promoting healthier relationships and greater self-confidence.

In the Ngoi Hapū the Year 8 students have been practicing using their intuition and respecting people’s personal space and boundaries with some physical games. Here are some reflections from Year 8 students who have been engaging in the learning activities this term.

“I have learnt a lot about boundaries and like respecting my own boundaries and other people. I have been practicing how to tell people to stop using a loud and confident voice”

“I have learnt about being a rock and being water. If I’m being a rock and someone throws an insult at me I would throw one back, but I’m water I would leave and walk away, so it depends on the situation about if I should be like a rock or water”

“I know when to go with the flow and be like water, this is like when I’m around my friends. Sometimes I will be like a rock and stand up for myself like sometimes with my siblings”

“I know I have different boundaries with my friends than with strangers, it is valuable to have strategies that I might need to use in future situations like if I get bullied”

We encourage you to talk with your child about the important learning they have been undertaking in Advisory this term. For more information about the ‘Rock and Water’ programme, please visit their website: https://rockandwater.co.nz/