Weydon School is working alongside neuroscientist Tj Power to help improve its mental wellbeing offering.
He teaches individuals, companies and schools using his DOSE strategy.
DOSE stands for the four main chemicals in the brain – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins – which impact mental health.
Dopamine is responsible for motivation, oxytocin is responsible for connection, serotonin is responsible for mood and endorphins are responsible for reducing stress levels.
Tj explores behaviours that cause levels of particular chemicals to fall, causing negative feelings.
There are also behaviours which can boost levels and improve mental wellbeing.
Tj and Weydon aim to equip students to identify their behaviours and make appropriate changes for their own mental health. They create their own DOSE, based on their individual needs.
Tj’s relatable style and interactive approach have been a hit with students in Year 10, who have taken part in four workshops.
Weydon is now looking at ways to roll out the programme to other year groups and to incorporate it into the school wellbeing programme – which includes the RSE curriculum, a tailored PSHE programme, student wellbeing ambassadors and staff representatives.