As a department, we not only respond to the needs of our pupils through the pupil-voice platform but also to key societal issues. We have all seen the shocking statistics surrounding adolescent mental health with The Mental Health Foundation reporting that ‘20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year and 50% of these are established by the age of 14’. We also know that male suicide rates remain at a frighteningly high level and continue to account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in the UK (ONS 2022). In reaction to comments that surfaced last week in the media about adult mental health, the mental health charity Mind reiterated its stance that the UK is in the grips of a mental health crisis and urgent support is needed for those who are struggling. 

Additionally, violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a key focus throughout society. A report released by the Domestic Homicide Project in March showed that for the first time ever, the number of victim suicides following domestic abuse is overtaking the number of partner homicides (approximately two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner). These are all worrying figures for anyone raising or working with children. 

In order to equip our pupils with the knowledge they need of the potential risks to themselves, their peers and their families, we use a spiral curriculum at Mayville. We revisit topics in different key stages and this allows us to build on the foundations we have laid in the lower years and to develop the depth and breadth of the material we use, as pupils progress through the school.