The Heart of Education: Pastoral Care and Wellbeing at AIA

At AIA, we believe that true education goes beyond academic success. Our commitment to pastoral care and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. It is the thread that connects our values, culture, and community, and it plays a vital role in shaping students into confident, empathetic, and resilient individuals.

We view pastoral care not just as a support system but as a whole-school responsibility—woven into every lesson, interaction, and initiative. Every teacher, staff member, and leader play a role in nurturing the emotional, social, and personal development of each child.

A Holistic and Inclusive Approach

Guided by our mission to Inspire, Inquire, and Innovate, our approach is designed to support the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually.

  • Emotional wellbeing is nurtured through daily check-ins, mindfulness activities, and access to qualified counsellors who provide safe spaces for students to talk and be heard.
  • Social development is fostered through teamwork, peer mentoring, leadership programmes, and cultural events that build community, empathy, and respect.
  • Physical health is promoted through a wide range of sports, active play, and wellness initiatives that encourage students to value movement and self-care.
  • Academic growth is supported in an environment where students feel safe to take risks, explore their interests, and build confidence in their abilities.

By integrating pastoral care across all aspects of school life, we create a nurturing environment where students can thrive in every sense.

Strengthening School-Home Partnerships

We recognise that wellbeing is most effective when there is a strong, collaborative partnership with families. We are committed to maintaining open, two-way communication and involving parents as active partners in their child’s development.

We do this through:

  • Regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss academic and personal growth
  • Wellbeing-focused coffee mornings and workshops that provide tools and strategies for support at home
  • Feedback forums and listening circles that invite parental voice into the school community

Our pastoral team and leadership are always approachable and available, ensuring that families feel supported, informed, and heard.

Wellbeing Framework: The PERMAH Model

To ensure a structured and research-informed approach to wellbeing, AIA implements the PERMAH model, which includes:

  • Positive Emotions – cultivating optimism and gratitude through reflective activities
  • Engagement – encouraging flow and focus in lessons and creative pursuits
  • Relationships – promoting kindness, collaboration, and connection
  • Meaning – helping students find purpose in their learning and contributions
  • Accomplishment – celebrating progress and building a sense of competence
  • Health – prioritising physical wellbeing through nutrition, movement, and rest

This model is not limited to wellbeing lessons—it is embedded into daily school life, guiding interactions, decision-making, and community culture.

UpStrive: A Digital Companion for Wellbeing

AIA also utilises UpStrive, a digital platform that enhances wellbeing awareness for both students and staff. It offers:

  • Interactive emotional check-ins to track daily mood and mental health trends
  • Guided reflections and prompts to build self-awareness and coping strategies
  • Access to resources that promote resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive habits

This tool supports our goal of creating a proactive wellbeing culture, where individuals feel empowered to understand and manage their emotional health.

Professional and Student Counselling Services

Our counselling department plays a vital role in student support across all school phases. They offer:

  • Individual and group counselling tailored to developmental needs
  • Programmes and workshops on friendship, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and more
  • Collaboration with teachers and families to ensure a consistent support approach
  • Referral and coordination with external mental health professionals when needed

Counselling is not just reactive—it is preventive and developmental, helping students build the tools they need for emotional wellbeing and success.

Nurturing a Positive School Culture

At AIA, we are deeply committed to building a school culture rooted in compassion, safety, and belonging. We provide students with:

  • Leadership opportunities that build responsibility and voice
  • Diversity celebrations that foster inclusion and cultural pride
  • Safe spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and respected

Our goal is to raise happy, self-aware, and socially responsible individuals who are equipped to navigate the challenges of life with empathy and confidence.

By combining pastoral care and wellbeing in a thoughtful, integrated way, we create a school where every child is empowered to grow not only as a learner—but as a person. At AIA, we are shaping the future by nurturing the heart, mind, and spirit of every student.