To mark this Mental Health Awareness Week, we would like to highlight and celebrate one of our Excelerate partner schools, Banff Academy, which not only advocates for, but has made big changes towards, improving the health and wellbeing of all their young people.
The Wood Foundation’s Excelerate is an investment for system level change in education. Working with 19 schools in the North-east, we focus on the transformation of culture, collaboration, and pedagogy through professional learning and network opportunities which inspire new and innovative approaches – such as project-based learning (PBL).
Through PBL, Banff Academy empowers their pupils and places wellbeing at the heart of their educational journey.
Stewart Clelland, Principal Teacher of Project Based Learning at Banff Academy, shared that Banff Academy’s PBL programme intentionally integrates social and emotional learning.
He said: “Reflective discussions, mindfulness activities, and quiet spaces for cultural or religious reflection are built into PBL routines to support emotional wellbeing. This holistic approach has been important given the needs identified among our learners.”
According to the school’s recent S2 wellbeing survey, students rated their overall health and life satisfaction at an average 3.7 out of 5, with mental health slightly lower (3.3 out of 5).
“The PBL programme has directly addressed these challenges,” said Stewart.
“The Wellbeing Unplugged project in S2 raises awareness about healthy lifestyles, and subsequent PBL expeditions encourage pupils to ‘unplug’ from devices and focus on physical activity, teamwork, and nature. Data from that project showed clear links between lifestyle and wellbeing.
“By embedding wellbeing into the curriculum, PBL has improved students’ resilience and coping strategies. Students frequently report feeling more ‘heard’ and supported. One S3 pupil reflected that PBL ‘makes us feel like our ideas matter’, illustrating an enhanced sense of belonging and self-worth that traditional classes often struggled to achieve.
For students who face challenges – whether due to additional support needs or socio-economic barriers – PBL provides an engaging, level playing field that builds confidence.”
Some pupils have acknowledged initial difficulties with the PBL style, noting that it can be ‘a bit loud and hard to focus at times’. These challenges have been met with responsive strategies, for instance, offering quiet breakout zones and structured roles in group work.
Overall, qualitative evidence points to improved student engagement, voice, and wellbeing across the board, with Banff Academy’s young people now more actively involved in and positive about their learning.
We are proud of Banff Academy’s dedication to improving young people’s mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week and every week.