Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.

J. Kabat-Zinn, 1994 : Wherever You Go There You Are

Mindfulness at Tonbridge

Tonbridge aims for boys to leave school prepared for the adult world with the knowledge and self belief to fulfil their own potential.   So that they might do this Tonbridge places importance not just on developing the academic abilities and extending horizons of our pupils but also on ensuring that they have a full range of skills which will help them deal with the increasing complexites and stresses of  a busy life.  Mindfulness is one of these skills, giving boys a way to focus on the present moment rather than getting caught up in what has happened or what might happen.

Mindfulness at Tonbridge is part of the broader PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) Programme.  It has been and is taught in many different ways and in many different places : from small groups in squash courts, to classes on the games fields and even the whole school in the chapel.

The core of the Mindfulness programme is an eight week course for Second Years (year 10).  The programme focusses on key skills:

1. First steps in focussing attention
2. Establishing calm and concentration
3. Recognising rumination and coming home to the body
4. Developing present moment awareness in the every day
5. Slowing and savouring activities, including walking
6. Stepping back from thoughts that hijack you
7. Allowing, accepting and being with difficult emotions
8. Pulling it all together and making it personal

Pupils are expected to do a degree of ‘home practice’ in order to get the most out of the course and additional classes are then held for anyone who wishes to develop their interest in this further.

Benefits of Mindfulness

"It was calm and relaxing. I felt like it was a break from the day."

"It is a skill which I can use throughout my life. I enjoyed feeling good after doing it. I enjoyed feeling calmer once I had finished, and more content as well. It enabled me to be able to focus on the present moment, without worrying about exams, results, homework etc."

Whilst for some lessons in mindfulness are appreciated simply as an exercise to help relax and calm, for many the benefits  extend well beyond this, helping pupils cope with exam stress, get to sleep, manage anger, deal with difficult relationships, improve their performance in sports and simply handle the increasingly stressful pace and pressure of adolescence.

The benefits of teaching mindfulness to adolescents were explored and confirmed in research between Tonbridge School and the Cambridge University Wellbeing Institute in 2007.  We are continuing to explore, develop and research the teaching of Mindfulness as part of the Mindfulness in Schools Project.

Find out more about the Mindfulness in Schools Project from this documentary.

For more information about mindfulness at Tonbridge School please contact Richard Burnett  rb@tonbridge-school.org.