Wellbeing in the Classroom

"Caring is at the heart of what we do."

At Gortnor Abbey, we believe that students learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported. Wellbeing isn’t confined to a single period on the timetable; it is the heartbeat of every classroom. We work hard to ensure our learning environments are inclusive, encouraging, and responsive to every student’s needs.

How We Support Students Every Day

Active Learning: We move away from passive listening, encouraging students to engage deeply with their subjects through collaboration and hands-on projects.
Growth Mindset: We celebrate effort and persistence. In our classrooms, mistakes are seen as essential steps on the path to mastery.
Differentiation: We recognise that every learner is unique. Teachers tailor their approach to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, can experience success and feel challenged.
Movement Breaks: To help students stay focused and regulated, many of our classes incorporate short “brain breaks.” These can be alerting to boost energy for a new task or calming to help the group settle and refocus.

A Whole-School Approach

Our classroom culture is built on the six national indicators of wellbeing. We want our students to be Active, Responsible, Connected, Resilient, Respected, and Aware in every lesson they attend. By prioritizing these values, we ensure that academic high standards and emotional health go hand-in-hand. While wellbeing is woven into every lesson at Gortnor Abbey, it is also championed through some core subjects in our curriculum SPHE, PE, CSPE and Non Academic Religion.

SPHE in Junior Cycle: SPHE is a core pillar of our Wellbeing programme. The curriculum is built around four key strands:

Understanding Myself and Others: Developing self-esteem, self-management skills, and the foundational social skills needed for healthy relationships.
Making Healthy Choices: Discussing food, sleep, addictive substances, and safe navigation of the online world.
Relationships and Sexuality: Focusing on consent, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining respectful relationships.
Emotional Wellbeing: Helping students develop coping strategies to manage stress and self-regulate emotions.

SPHE in Senior Cycle: Senior Cycle SPHE builds on earlier learning to prepare students for the transition to adulthood and independent living. It focuses on three main strands:

Health and Wellbeing: Deepening mental health awareness, health literacy, and strategies to manage the pressures of senior cycle life.
Relationships and Sexuality: Exploring more complex adult relationships characterised by care and mutual respect alongside recognising abusive behaviours.
Into Adulthood: Developing life skills like goal setting, planning for the future, and understanding legal rights and responsibilities.

PE in Junior Cycles: In Junior Cycle PE focusses on:

Active: Developing the physical literacy, motivation, and competence to stay active for life.
Confident: Mastering movement skills like throwing, catching, and running, which builds self-esteem and a “can-do” attitude.
Connected: Improving communication and teamwork through group games and peer interaction.
Resilient: Learning to cope with setbacks, such as losing a game or struggling with a new skill, in a safe and supportive environment.

PE in Senior Cycle: In Senior Cycle PE focusses on:

Stress Management: Regular physical activity acts as a critical outlet for the anxiety and stress associated with the Leaving Certificate.
Lifestyle Habits: Students learn to understand health-related fitness, including how exercise improves concentration, sleep, and overall mental clarity.
Options: We offer two pathways:
- LCPE (Leaving Certificate PE): An examinable subject where students study the theory of physical activity alongside performance.
- SCPE Framework: A non-examinable, flexible program that emphasises personal enjoyment and lifelong participation.

Supporting Student Wellbeing

A Whole-School Approach

Student wellbeing is supported through many aspects of school life, helping young people feel connected, confident, and ready to learn.

Wellbeing in the Classroom

Our Support Team

Transition Hub

Supports & Resources

CSPE in Junior Cycle: CSPE is a vital part of our Junior Cycle Wellbeing program. It empowers students to see themselves as active participants in society rather than just spectators. By exploring themes of Human Rights, Democracy, and Stewardship, students learn that their voices matter and that they have the power to create positive change.

What Students Explore in CSPE:

Active Citizenship: Students don’t just learn about the law; they live it. Through their Citizenship Action Record, students plan and carry out projects—such as organizing awareness campaigns, meeting local leaders, or fundraising for causes they care about.
Global Connection: We look beyond the school gates to understand global issues like climate change, poverty, and migration. This fosters a sense of Responsibility, helping students feel connected to the wider human family.
Developing an Informed Voice: CSPE teaches students how to find reliable information and debate respectfully. This builds the Awareness needed to navigate a world of social media and diverse opinions.
Inclusion & Diversity: By studying the foundations of equality, students learn to appreciate the different cultures and perspectives within our own school and the local Gortnor Abbey community.

Non Academic Religion in Senior Cycle: Our Religious Education program for 5th and 6th Year is a vital part of student wellbeing. It offers a dedicated space away from the academic pressures of the Leaving Certificate, allowing students to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about their place in the world.

Exploring Values: Students explore diverse perspectives on moral and ethical issues, helping them develop their own values and a sense of integrity.
Social Justice & Action: We focus on our responsibility to others, looking at human rights, poverty, and how we can contribute to a more compassionate society.
Spirituality & Reflection: The program provides opportunities for quiet reflection and mindfulness, fostering “Spiritual Wellbeing”—one of our key indicators for a balanced life.
Dialogue & Respect: Classes are a safe forum for students to discuss different faiths and worldviews, building a culture of empathy and mutual respect.

Supporting Every Student to Thrive

Our commitment to wellbeing helps create a school environment where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.