We aim to develop key character skills, including decision making, informed risk taking, good communication, and self-regulation strategies. We encourage the exploration of, and respect for, values held by different cultures and groups within our local community and promote the development of positive attitudes. At Chigwell Primary Academy, we aim to prepare pupils adequately for adult life: its decisions, responsibilities, experiences and opportunities, and to allow pupils to develop fully as emotionally mature human beings who are prepared to face and manage the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing modern Britain.

Overview of myHappymind

At Chigwell Primary Academy, we are proud to be part of the myHappymind Family, which aligns perfectly with our core values of "Respect, Responsibility and Resilience." This whole-school program, grounded in science, is dedicated to fostering positive mental wellbeing. Through myHappymind, our students not only learn how their brains work but also develop the resilience, confidence, and self-esteem needed to navigate life's challenges.

In addition, myHappymind complements our restorative practice approach, which focuses on building strong, positive relationships and resolving conflicts in a constructive way. Both myHappymind and restorative practice teach our children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions, particularly during stressful times. This holistic approach empowers children to take responsibility for their actions, make thoughtful decisions, and be their best selves in every situation. By embedding these practices into our school culture, we ensure that our students have the emotional tools to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential, both socially and academically.

Learn more here: My Happy Mind

Module Descriptions

Meet Your Brain:

Understanding how your brain works and how to ensure we look after it so that we can manage our emotions and be at our best. Growth mindset is a key part of this too.

Celebrate:

Understanding your unique character strengths and learning to celebrate them. This is a fantastic module for building self-esteem.

Appreciate:

Understanding why gratitude matters and how you can develop gratitude as a habit. Gratitude is key to well-being and resilience and we're all about making it a habit!

Relate:

Understanding why positive relationships matter and how to build them. We're focused on the building blocks of good relationships and friendships.

Engage:

Understanding how to set meaningful goals that matter and how to keep resilient in times of challenge. This module is all about building self-esteem and resilience too.

At Chigwell Primary Academy we are proud to work with the MHST - West Essex Mental Health Support Team - The team are funded by the NHS to support young people in school who might be struggling with their mental health. They work with low level mental health needs. An MHST is a team of educational mental health practitioners (EMHPs) who go into schools and deliver interventions to support young people in low level need either with parents or as a whole class. We hope that we can break the stigma around mental health and get young people talking about how they are feeling.