As part of iCARE Week, Year 5 and 6 girls had the opportunity to take part in a ‘Strong Girls’ workshop, dedicated to discovering inner strengths and improving self-esteem. The workshop built on a broader programme for older girls at Grimwade House which focuses on confidence, motivation and preparedness for the future.
One of the key activities within the workshop included students responding to the question: What is it that you do that makes you feel strong inside? Responses were captured and a book with statements from each of the participants was subsequently created.†
Students also considered how posture can impact on confidence and practiced ‘warrior’ poses which they might use when preparing to enter difficult situations.
“When we talk about strength with girls, we often discuss how we might have strengths that are less commonly celebrated,” says Ms Emma Finster, Pastoral Care Coordinator and ‘Strong Girls’ workshop facilitator. “It’s surprising how many children benefit from these types of discussions. Taking a moment out of their busy schedules to consider what they’re already good at, and where they could take steps to improve, is so important.”
And this approach seems to resonate with students, who indicate that the programme is having a positive impact.
“Being strong is being confident and trusting yourself. The more you believe in yourself, the more you’ll be able to conquer what you are doing,” says Ava, Year 5. “I feel like all the work we have been doing has made me stronger. When I was preparing for my violin exam, I thought about what we had learnt. I knew that I had worked pretty hard, and that I would try my hardest, so that gave me confidence.”
Year 5 student, Eve explains: “I used to be shy when going to a new place or meeting new people. I’ve learnt that you have to act confidently. Being strong doesn’t have to be physical. It can be deep inside.”
For Ailsa, Year 5, her increased confidence has expanded her friendship group. “Practising being strong has really helped me be ready to try new things. I have learnt how to make my voice be heard and not to doubt myself in tricky situations.”
In her role at Grimwade House, Ms Finster explains that she modifies the emphasis of Pastoral Care activities to meet the needs of each Year group. “In Years 3 and 4 it’s about identifying our strengths and looking at social dynamics, while in Years 5 and 6 we look at issues such as managing stress, mindfulness, and how to make successful transitions into the next stage of life,” she explains. “In many cases, it’s not so much about direct instruction as it is about simply creating space to consider these issues.”
† The book was inspired by Strong is the New Pretty by Kate T Parker
