Announcements

PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

PROMOTING POSITIVE ATTITUDES TO PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

At The Aylesbury Vale Academy, we believe that a student’s well-being, both physical and mental is fundamental to their ability to learn, grow, and flourish. Our goal is to foster a culture in which every student feels empowered, supported and resilient. Below is how we embed that commitment across our school community. 

Physical Well-being: Moving, Learning, Inclusion 

Comprehensive Physical Education & Enrichment 

Our PE curriculum is carefully mapped from Year 7 through to GCSE and BTEC levels, emphasising not only skills and performance but health, fitness, anatomy, and psychological aspects of sport and movement.

Beyond timetabled PE, the department runs inter-house competitions, sports clubs, extracurricular opportunities, and works in partnership with local sports clubs. Click HERE for more information.

We encourage that even students who are injured or unwell still engage in PE in a modified way (e.g. through observation, analysis, coaching roles) to maintain connection and learning (see HERE).

Uniform, Access & Equity 

Our PE uniform policy includes: 

  • Navy sports polo with Aylesbury Vale Academy logo 
  • AVA or plain navy tracksuit bottoms/navy shorts/navy skorts 
  • AVA or plain navy rain jacket/jumper/fleece 
  • Suitable trainers 

We emphasise that on most days, lessons will continue outdoors with appropriate kit to keep students active and comfortable. 

We ensure that students with sensory or physical disabilities are supported to access physical education and activities. Our SEN team, external professionals, and inclusive adaptations work together to make sure all students can participate meaningfully (see HERE).

Supporting Students with Medical Conditions 

We maintain a Supporting Students with Medical Conditions Policy, which ensures that students with long-term medical needs are safely supported so that they can participate in school life fully.

Individual Healthcare Plans are used, risk assessments are made for trips and activities, and staff are trained so that medical conditions don’t become barriers to engagement. 

Mental & Emotional Well-being: Understanding, Support, Resilience 

Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Support 

  • SEMH defines the challenges students may face (e.g. anxiety, withdrawal, behavioural difficulties) and emphasises that these do not have to define a child’s future; with appropriate support, they can move forward positively (see HERE).
  • We provide links to resources such as Kooth, a free, confidential online counselling and wellbeing service for young people, offering counselling, articles, forums, and peer support.  
  • Tools and resources like “Book of Beasties” promote emotional literacy, empathy and resilience through games and conversation.  
  • We also share recommended apps such as Headspace, Calm, and Stop, Breathe & Think for breathing, mindfulness, and stress relief.  

Parental & Community Involvement 

  • We run free mental health live webinars for parents covering topics like anxiety and exam stress, hosted by the Bucks Mental Health Support Team (see HERE).
  • We share resources for parents such as “Social Media & Mental Health – A Parents Guide,” helping families understand the impact of digital life on well-being.

Pastoral Care & Curriculum Integration 

  • Mental health and well-being are integrated into our Personal Development curriculum (including PSHE, religious education) and delivered by form tutors who know the students best. 
  • We take a “whole student” view: our Trust’s policies ensure that we treat mental and physical health as connected, confidential, and central to learning.
  • In our Early Years and Primary phase, strong emphasis is placed on Personal, Social & Emotional Development as a foundation alongside physical development.

Core Principles We Promote 

Normalising Help-Seeking 
It’s okay to struggle. We encourage students to speak up, access support, and understand that mental health is part of overall health. 

Balance & Habits 
Daily movement, healthy rest, social connection, and self-care routines are encouraged. We teach strategies for stress management, emotional awareness, and resilience. 

Inclusivity & Adaptability 
No one is excluded. We adjust and adapt so that all students can engage in physical and emotional health-building activities at their level. 

Partnership & Education 
We partner with parents, professionals, and community services. We provide education for students and families so that understanding of wellness is shared and reinforced. 

Proactive & Preventative 
We aim to build skills before crises occur — through wellbeing education, safe spaces, mentoring, and early intervention.

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