MELS

MELS is an essential part of modern day education. It covers content on personal wellbeing, economic well being, careers guidance, digital safety, morality and community wellbeing. Whilst the theory is important, MELs alsos helps to develop vital skills that can help the students in the wider world and in all of their academic subjects.

This subject is not examined, but is a compulsory part of UK and UAE curriculum and its importance has been highlighted in a number of educational studies including the Oxford Impact Study, 2020, by Dr Lindorff. This is one of the most robust studies into student wellbeing. The results found a clear correlation between wellbeing, which MELs promotes, and academic success.

COURSE CONTENT

As part of our commitment at BSAK to a whole school approach to wellbeing we have worked to provide a framework for MELs that runs throughout Year 7-11 giving students a chance to learn, practice and extend their own knowledge and skills based on 6 important areas: Careers, Living in the Wider World, Mental and Physical Health, Mindfulness, Relationships and Study Skills. Linked here you are able to access information on the objectives and projects undertaken in each of the year group areas.

MELS also incorporates the UAE Federal Government's Moral Education initiative, designed to promote tolerance and instill universal principles and values shared by humanity; an overview of the program can be found here and the specific topics covered within your child's year group are listed below:

TOPICS

● Universal Culture ● Peace and Conflict - Is there such a thing as a “Just War” ● Global Citizenship

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Positive psychology and techniques to benefit wellbeing ● Problem solving ● Critical thinking ● Resilience ● Positive decision making ● Engaging positively in the world around them

SETTING

Lessons are taught in form groups once per week.

ASSESSMENTS

No formal assessment. The impact of the program is seen through the interactions, beliefs and behaviours of those in the school community. Work and reflections can be recorded in the MELS workbook.