At Hangzhou International School (HIS) we embrace social-emotional learning (SEL) as a key pillar of student development. A balanced learning approach has been proven to enhance academic performance, foster positive attitudes and behaviors, improve relationships, reduce emotional distress, and promote a healthy self-image. The Counseling team has implemented the Wellness Program as a schoolwide initiative to support these goals.
What is the Wellness Program?
Using the CASEL framework and ISCA Student Standards, we came up with eight topics within the HIS Wellness Program. Throughout the year, sessions are facilitated by a variety of educators including school counselors, classroom teachers, advisors, and homeroom teachers. This curriculum is seamlessly integrated into our overall educational framework and is taught to all students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. It is delivered through classroom instruction, interdisciplinary units, and engaging group activities.
Younger students are taught about concepts such as empathy, problem-solving, building healthy relationships, diversity and inclusion, and transitions. Students in the Upper School learn about a variety of topics targeted more for teenagers and young adults including mental health, consent, sex education, and safety. Grade 9, 10, and 11 students also have career and university counseling lessons spread out during the year.
What are the 8 topics?
| Emotional Education | Understanding our emotions and learning how to manage them. |
| Relationships | Building conflict resolution and other skills needed to have healthy relationships. |
| Character Education | Teaches habits, actions and ideas that help people live and work together and be successful members of their communities. |
| Academic & Career | Prepares the students for their academic life (classroom, organization skills, goal setting, etc.) as well as their college and future career. |
| Self-Awareness & Identity | Developing a sense of self and exploring different aspects of their identity |
| Social Awareness & Global Perspectives | Developing a sense of community, global understanding, and international mindedness. Covers topics such as boundaries, families & cultures, diversity, cultural competence, personal bias, and advocacy |
| Personal Safety | Covers different elements to keep themselves safe. Topics vary from simple personal safety knowledge and consent to alcohol, and drugs, and preparing for living independently. |
| Transitions/End of Year | Helping our students understand, prepare, and cope with transitions by looking at concepts such as the transition cycle or Third Culture Kid. |
As the School Counselors, our team takes great pride in implementing this comprehensive Wellness Program. We are firmly rooted in our commitment to student well-being and recognize the positive correlation between emotional support and academic performance. Our Wellbeing Program equips our students with life skills to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially during school years and beyond.
