Wellbeing – Marsden’s taking a proven, proactive approach
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School takes wellbeing education seriously. For good reason. Internationally, the increase in mental illness among young people is a major concern, but the prevalence of it including depression, eating disorders and suicidal behaviours is alarmingly high amongst secondary school New Zealanders – particularly females.
Research conducted for the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project indicated that, while most young people are resilient, depression and anxiety are wide-spread with one in five New Zealanders expected to experience depression by the age of 18 and almost one in five meeting the criteria for an anxiety disorder by age 19. This issue is not confined to secondary school age students either. Health Survey data estimated that between 5,000-14,000 (0.6% and 1.8%) of children aged 14 years or less have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
Such findings have prompted Marsden’s decision to further expand its renowned pastoral care and wellbeing provision; to combine the science of learning with the science of wellbeing in a school-wide integrated approach that’s evidence-informed, and proven to develop and enhance lifelong wellbeing.
It will be delivered through their Visible WellbeingTM partnership with internationally acclaimed, leading positive psychology expert, Professor Lea Waters and her team. Marsden is the first to establish such a partnership in New Zealand. The whole school approach, integrated across all year levels, subjects and cocurricular activity will benefit every community member as they engage in scientifically supported learning approaches and practices that enhance academic performance, help them feel good, function well and do good.
As community members learn to see wellbeing – their own and others, they will systematically build on it developing the learning, skills and tools to not just be ok or do well, but to thrive through every stage of life.
To learn more about this exciting, literally visible initiative, and the opportunity for your child to experience it as part of the Marsden learning community, please contact 476 8708 for a conversation or to book a tour.
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School has been providing quality independent education for over 140 years. While honouring tradition it delivers a wideranging, modernised and future-focused curriculum. In being the first to become a Visible WellbeingTM school in New Zealand, Marsden has distinguished itself as the country’s thought leader in Positive Education and wellbeing. Marsden has two campuses. The Marsden School Karori campus provides education for girls from Years 1–13 and has a co-ed Preschool. The Marsden School Whitby campus provides Years 7–13 education in a co-ed setting. Marsden School’s purpose is to lay the foundation for lives of meaning, accomplishment and genuine happiness.