An inspirational rebrand which completely transformed the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls has been awarded a prestigious accolade by the House of Commons. 

Confidence for Life (C4L) secured a ‘Highly Commended’ from the Rt. Hon John Bercow in the Speaker’s School Council Awards 2015 – the second year the school has been awarded the commendation.

Students and staff wanted to change the whole vision and direction of PSHE to engage pupils and the local community more in the overall programme.  The Student Council, in consultation with the PSHE Co-ordinator, decided to conduct a complete rebrand.  It was not just an alteration of a name, but a whole change of direction, perception and mind-set which had far-reaching implications for both the school and wider community.

Miss Joanna Johnson, C4L Co-ordinator, said: “This high profile award is testament to the vision and creativity of the students.  They are integral to the direction their education and wellbeing programme takes at HMSG and the award recognises not only the impact of the rebranding, but the importance we place on young people’s views, which are valued and acted upon.”

She added: “I was absolutely delighted that HMSG has, yet again, been Highly Commended by the Speaker of the House of Commons and very proud of the students who were involved.”

The C4L re-branding programme completely re-vitalised the school and wider community in terms of the benefits of PSHE provision.  Students now act as C4L mentors in the school and wider community (such as anti-bullying), they deliver C4L presentations and organise assemblies.  Community links have been forged with many agencies such as the Police, Fire Service, Red Cross and St John’s as well as local businesses and inspirational individuals.  Students have also trained as Red Cross volunteer peer-educators, which will enable them to train members of the school and wider community in life-saving first aid, in addition to increasing their overall confidence.

Through student feedback, the request for more external agencies was highlighted, resulting in a myriad of high quality presentations and workshops for both parents and students.  Topics such as E-safety; disability awareness; fire and road safety; self-defence; self-esteem and presentation skills, first aid training, plus bullying prevention have been requested and covered.  The content is student-driven and the Student Council plays an important part in ensuring students are listened to and their recommendations are reflected in the programme.