Over a two-week period, the Leaving Certificate Applied students from St. Louis engaged in a 10-hour self-development program, designed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to enhance both their physical and mental wellbeing. The initiative featured dynamic sessions on personal physical training (PT), emphasising the transformative power of regular exercise in building resilience, sharpening focus, and boosting overall mood. The young people also engaged in guided workouts tailored to varying fitness levels, promoting active lifestyles as a foundation for personal growth and wellbeing.
To complement the physical training, the girls engaged in an interactive workshop on nutrition, underscoring the connection between a balanced diet and mental health. Through engaging discussions and hands-on demonstrations, the students gained practical insights into making informed food choices that sustain energy, enhance emotional stability, and optimize cognitive performance. This holistic approach to self-care equipped young people with invaluable habits for nurturing both body and mind.
A key component of the program was the integration of skills from The Decider Skills program, which draws on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). The young people learned to recognise and understand their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This framework enables young people to monitor and effectively manage their emotions and mental health.
Special thanks to Amie McQulllan and Nicola Fannin from Foroige for all their help in delivering this initiative. This joint project between Foroige and St. Louis Secondary School will form the basis of the Leaving Certificate Applied Practical Achievement Task.
Monaghan Education Centre
Le Chéile Schools Trust
Comments