Health and Wellbeing Faculty

Welcome to Health and Wellbeing at Ysgol Bryn Alyn

"Health is not just about what you're eating or how much exercise you do. It's also about what you're thinking and saying."

At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, the Health and Wellbeing Faculty is committed to developing healthy, confident and resilient young people who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.

Our curriculum embraces the vision of the Curriculum for Wales Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience, supporting learners to understand the importance of physical health, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, personal safety and lifelong participation in healthy lifestyles.

Through Physical Education, Food and Nutrition, Personal and Social Education (PSE) and a wide range of enrichment activities, students develop the confidence to make informed decisions, manage challenges positively and contribute as responsible members of their communities.

The faculty promotes a culture where every learner feels safe, valued and supported. We believe that physical, emotional and social wellbeing are fundamental to achievement both in school and beyond. Our curriculum helps learners build resilience, self-esteem, leadership skills and healthy habits that will remain with them throughout their lives.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated specialists work together to support every learner's physical, emotional and social development.

Faculty Staff

Mr Andy Jones
Head of Health and Wellbeing Faculty / Physical Education

Mrs Bethan Evans-Lea
Second in Faculty / Personal and Social Education Lead

Mr Williams
Physical Education Teacher

Mrs Phillips
Physical Education Teacher

Mrs Evans
Food and Nutrition Teacher

Together, the team provides expert support and inspiring learning experiences which help students develop healthy habits, achieve success and build confidence for life.

Our Vision

A Health and Wellbeing learner at Ysgol Bryn Alyn:

• Understands the importance of physical and mental health.

• Makes informed choices about their wellbeing.

• Develops confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

• Builds healthy and respectful relationships.

• Participates actively in physical activity.

• Develops practical life skills.

• Demonstrates empathy, respect and personal responsibility.

• Is prepared to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life.

Through engaging experiences and meaningful learning, students become healthy, confident individuals who are ready to achieve their ambitions.

Subjects Within Health and Wellbeing

Physical Education

Physical Education is an integral part of young people's education and supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. Through participation in a wide range of activities, learners increase their enjoyment, confidence and competence while developing a lifelong commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. The current PE provision emphasises health-related fitness, confidence and the long-term benefits of physical activity.

Students develop:

• Physical competence

• Tactical awareness

• Leadership skills

• Teamwork and cooperation

• Resilience and determination

• Self-evaluation and reflection

• Understanding of health and fitness

A broad programme of activities ensures all learners experience success and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.

Food and Nutrition

Food and Nutrition equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to make healthy food choices throughout life.

Students develop:

• Food preparation skills

• Knife skills and safe working practices

• Nutritional knowledge

• Meal planning skills

• Budgeting and food management

• Understanding of food science

• Awareness of healthy lifestyles

The curriculum has been designed to develop increasingly sophisticated culinary skills whilst promoting independence and an understanding of the relationship between diet, health and wellbeing. Recent curriculum developments have strengthened practical cooking skills and healthy eating knowledge.

King's Trust

The King's Trust programme provides learners with opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to succeed both in education and beyond.

Through practical, project-based learning, students develop:

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Communication skills

• Leadership

• Problem solving

• Community engagement

• Enterprise skills

• Personal confidence

• Employability skills

The programme encourages learners to become active contributors within their school and wider community, while helping them to identify their strengths and future aspirations.

Students explore real-world issues and participate in activities that develop independence, responsibility and self-belief. The course provides valuable preparation for further education, training and employment.

As part of the faculty's vocational offer, students have consistently achieved excellent outcomes through this qualification pathway.

SWEET

SWEET provides learners with practical, engaging and highly personalised learning experiences that support wellbeing, independence and future employability.

The programme focuses on developing key life skills through meaningful and relevant learning opportunities, including:

• Personal development

• Communication skills

• Teamwork

• Community participation

• Independent living skills

• Emotional wellbeing

• Career preparation

• Goal setting and reflection

Learners are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness while building skills that will support them throughout adult life.

Through practical projects and collaborative experiences, students gain recognised qualifications whilst developing the personal attributes required for success in education, employment and life.

The faculty has maintained excellent outcomes within SWEET, with students consistently achieving positive qualification results and developing greater confidence and independence.

Personal and Social Education (PSE)

PSE lies at the heart of our commitment to developing healthy, confident and ethical young people.

Grounded in Welsh Government guidance and informed by learner needs, PSE supports students in understanding:

• Physical and emotional wellbeing

• Healthy relationships

• Online safety

• Equality and diversity

• Careers and aspirations

• Financial capability

• Personal safety

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing

• Citizenship and community

Our programme includes taught lessons, workshops, assemblies, drop-down days and enrichment opportunities. Provision is regularly reviewed through learner voice and wellbeing data to ensure learning remains relevant to the needs of our students. Current PSE provision is linked to statutory requirements and informed by learner wellbeing analysis.

Key Stage 4 Qualifications

WJEC GCSE Physical Education

The new WJEC GCSE Physical Education specification allows students to develop both practical and theoretical understanding of sport and physical activity.

Students study:

Practical Performance

• Performance in physical activities

• Skill development

• Tactical awareness

• Analysis and evaluation

Theory Components

• Health, fitness and wellbeing

• Exercise physiology

• Movement analysis

• Sport psychology

• Socio-cultural influences

The qualification develops scientific understanding whilst building confidence, leadership and analytical skills.

WJEC GCSE Food and Nutrition

The new WJEC GCSE Food and Nutrition specification develops learners' understanding of nutrition, food science and practical cookery.

Students investigate:

• Nutritional needs across the life cycle

• Healthy eating

• Food provenance

• Food safety

• Food science

• Menu planning

• Diet and health

Practical investigations and food preparation form a significant part of the course, helping learners develop valuable life skills alongside academic knowledge.

Enrichment Opportunities

Health and Wellbeing extends far beyond the classroom.

Students regularly participate in:

Sport and Physical Activity

• Football

• Netball

• Rugby

• Athletics

• Rounders

• Basketball

• Fitness activities

• Inter-house competitions

• District and county sporting events

Leadership Opportunities

• Sports Leaders

• House competitions

• Young ambassadors

• Student leadership programmes

Wellbeing Activities

• My Life Days

• Wellbeing initiatives

• Mental health awareness activities

• Community projects

• Aspirations and careers events

These opportunities develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and wellbeing while supporting the school's REACH values.

Careers in Health and Wellbeing

Our subjects provide pathways into a wide variety of careers.

Sport and Physical Education

• PE Teacher

• Sports Coach

• Physiotherapist

• Sports Scientist

• Personal Trainer

• Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Sports Therapist

• Outdoor Education Instructor

• Sports Development Officer

Food and Nutrition

• Chef

• Nutritionist

• Dietitian

• Food Scientist

• Food Technologist

• Hospitality Manager

• Catering Manager

• Public Health Practitioner

Wellbeing and Personal Development

• Social Worker

• Youth Worker

• Counsellor

• Psychologist

• Community Development Worker

• Police Officer

• Nurse

• Occupational Therapist

Homework and Independent Learning

Key Stage 3

Students complete a range of activities designed to reinforce learning and promote healthy lifestyles.

These may include:

• Fitness challenges

• Wellbeing reflections

• Healthy eating investigations

• Research tasks

• Careers activities

• Practical food preparation planning

Key Stage 4

Students are expected to undertake regular independent learning, including:

GCSE Physical Education

• Revision of theoretical content

• Activity analysis

• Fitness programming

• Examination preparation

GCSE Food and Nutrition

• Coursework research

• Meal planning

• Nutritional analysis

• Practical preparation

• Examination revision

Independent learning develops personal responsibility and helps students achieve their full potential.

Supporting the Whole Child

At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Health and Wellbeing is about much more than examination outcomes. Welsh Government guidance highlights the importance of creating healthy, confident individuals and placing wellbeing at the heart of school life. Our provision reflects this commitment, recognising the strong connection between emotional wellbeing, physical health and educational success.

We are proud to provide an inclusive, supportive environment where every learner can flourish.

Dream. Reach. Achieve.

The Health and Wellbeing Faculty empowers students to look after their minds, bodies and futures. Through Physical Education, Food and Nutrition and Personal and Social Education, learners develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives.

Healthy minds. Healthy bodies. Bright futures.