At The Rydal Academy, we believe that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for learning, relationships, and lifelong success. Through our commitment to the Kind Minds curriculum, we support every child in developing the emotional literacy, empathy, and resilience they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Kind Minds is a whole-school wellbeing programme that empowers children to: understand and manage their emotions; learn strategies for concentration and regulation; build positive relationships through self-kindness, empathy, and connection with others; and practise mindfulness to support emotional awareness and inner calm.
The curriculum is woven into daily classroom life through a mindful environment, regular “mindful moments,” and engaging weekly lessons. Children take part in exciting practical activities and reflective exercises that support their emotional development.
Our weekly lessons are built around four core modules:
Autumn 1: Emotional Literacy – Pupils explore core emotions, learning to recognise the sensations our bodies feel with each emotion before exploring how to regulate them.
Autumn 2: Concentrate – Children consciously engage their senses to train and direct attention. Through gentle strategies and engaging activities, they learn to tune into their thoughts, manage distractions, and build the skills needed for purposeful learning.
Spring 1 & 2: Calm – Introduces breathing exercises and mindful movement to regulate the mind and body. Children explore introspection—tuning into sensations inside the body—to strengthen emotional awareness and build resilience.
Summer 1 & 2: Connect – Nurtures positive relationships through practising kindness to ourselves and others. Pupils learn to communicate with empathy, build trusting connections, and feel a sense of belonging within their school community. Kind Minds helps us create a culture where kindness is not just taught—but lived.
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