28 November 2024
Mr Alex Sharkey, Head of Wellbeing
This term, the Wellbeing Department introduced the Woldingham School lifesaver programme, which gave all students the opportunity to learn how to identify cardiac arrest, deliver CPR, use a defibrillator, and assist someone who is choking.
As a qualified paramedic, I am delighted to have been able to work with students on this important programme. It is well known that in countries where CPR is taught in schools, survival rates are two to three times higher than in countries which don’t teach it. About 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home, so we need to ensure our students are prepared to help loved ones in need. The girls have shown a genuine desire to learn how to save a life and I am incredibly proud to see their maturity, commitment, and sensitivity.
According to the British Heart Foundation, nearly half of UK adults (more than 23 million) have never learnt CPR. I am aiming to offer a CPR course for parents in summer term. Meanwhile, the British Heart Foundation has developed a free online training programme to learn CPR in just 15 minutes, which you can watch here.
Other topics covered in wellbeing lessons, which aim to prepare girls for life during their school years and beyond, include Year 7 focusing on friendships and organisation, to help them navigate the transition from junior school to a more independent way of learning. Year 8 created displays to celebrate World Mental Health Day, conducting their own research on the importance of looking after our emotional wellbeing. Year 9 learned about sleep, prompting passionate discussion about school start times. Year 10 students delivered presentations about the risks of recreational drugs and Year 11s reflected on their career goals. Sixth Form students have been preparing for their financial life beyond Woldingham, discussing taxes, payslips, and mortgages!
And finally, ‘Woldingham Walkies’ returned this term, with girls enjoying a lunchtime walk accompanied by me and Rolo, a very enthusiastic cockapoo (see photo below) - an initiative which encourages students to spend time outside to boost their mood and stay healthy.
