We use cookies to improve your online experiences. To learn more and choose your cookies options, please refer to our cookie policy.
In the quiet leafy suburbs of Long Bien District in Hanoi, Nord Anglia Education’s British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi) is approaching student wellbeing holistically, through the lens of physical, psychological and social health.
Supporting to lead the way is Social-Emotional Counsellor, Matt Greenwood who saw huge shifts in the importance of wellbeing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At BIS Hanoi, nurturing student wellbeing doesn’t only focus on one thing. The school strikes a balance between meeting each child’s physical (strong and healthy, well-rested, well-fed and well-hydrated), psychological (embracing a neutral or positive mind) and social (being part of a supportive and collaborative environment) needs.
According to Matt, having a focus on wellbeing in education at the British International School Hanoi not only increases overall levels of student happiness, engagement, resilience and confidence, it also improves academic performance.
“Just as people struggle to concentrate when they experience worry, fatigue, or lack of motivation, poor student wellbeing can hinder academic achievement. Schools really have the power to lay the foundations for lifelong happiness and success when they care for students holistically,” Matt said.
“In an increasingly complex world, students need more than just academic results to succeed. It’s their sense of identity, resilience, and wellbeing skills that enable them to look after their physical, social and emotional health, ready to take on challenges that may not even exist yet.”
And it’s not only the British International School Hanoi that’s recognising the impact. Research from Oxford University by Departmental Lecturer in Research Methods Dr Ariel Lindorff shows the importance of wellbeing, too, highlighting improvements to academic attainment, mental health, self-esteem, self-efficacy, motivation, behaviour, and student retention.
“It’s not just a one-person job. The whole school community – teachers, parents and students – work together to nurture healthy and happy children. Students need consistent support from their families, teachers and friends to grow emotionally and socially, and to use their thoughts and feelings to develop personal awareness, emotional resilience, and social skills,” said Matt.
At the British International School Hanoi, a holistic approach to student wellbeing includes a range of initiatives and partnerships.
“We also recognise that many students prefer talking to their peers than to adults about their challenges, we we’ve trained a team of BIS Hanoi Mental Health Champions from different year groups to ensure every child feels comfortable to reach out to someone whenever they need,” said Matt. “We’re committed to embedding wellbeing in education by fostering an environment where students feel supported, understood, and empowered.”
As a Nord Anglia Education school, the British International School Hanoi in Vietnam is renowned for its supportive culture, that treats each student with integrity, care, and respect, creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe to thrive.