Post by Natasha Serba
Students at Scarborough’s Lester B. Pearson C.I. are now able to take a grade 12 Wellness course. It is an innovative course developed by Stephen Nieforth, a Pearson teacher and curriculum leader, which offers a blend of theory and practice in the science of mental health and wellness.
Grade 12 Wellness is an interdisciplinary course that combines curriculum expectations from Guidance, Physical Education, and Biology. This unique combination brings together the biological and neurological underpinnings of psychology with a variety of wellness strategies that students can incorporate into their lives. In this way, the course draws on new developments in the fields of positive psychology, neuroscience, and mind-body medicine, and makes them accessible to high school students.
In the Wellness course students learn and apply strategies for managing stress and anxiety, and fostering good mental health. In particular, they acquire knowledge with respect to positive psychology, neuroplasticity, sources and impacts of stress, cultivating a growth mindset and resilience, goal setting and time management skills. Students not only learn about the science of stress and mental health, but also some strategies proven to manage stress and build resilience. In this way, students have the opportunity to practise the techniques, self-evaluate their effectiveness, and learn how to integrate them into their daily lives. In addition, students also develop their leadership skills as they create and lead wellness activities that extend beyond the classroom into the wider school community.
Nieforth explained that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a course like this. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, “39% of Ontario high-school students indicate a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). A further 17% indicate a serious level of psychological distress” (CAMH Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics).
By introducing young people to a variety of techniques to support their mental health and wellness, Nieforth hopes that what students learn in the course can make a long term positive impact in their lives. With a full class this year– and students already registering for next year– the grade 12 Wellness course is making a positive difference that is sure to continue into the future.
Natasha Serba
Teacher with Lester B. Pearson, C.I., TDSB