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The Royal Belfast Academical Institute
POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2020
THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION
PERMA ENSURES EXCELLENCE AT RBAI
As we look with enthusiasm towards another year of ‘excellence and participation’ at RBAI, it is a good time to reflect on the impact our focus on pupil wellbeing through PERMA has had on the enjoyment, interaction and results of our pupils.
PERMA, the focus on Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments, reinforces the core principles of Inst’s values, placing highly effective teaching and learning, along with pupil engagement, at the centre of our approach.
Inst has traditionally equipped pupils to excel in both academic and extra-curricular pursuits. Head of Wellbeing, Mr Jack Allen, believes “At Inst we have developed a Wellbeing programme which complements the foundations that are at the core of our school.” Current Head Boy, Keelan Sloan, is an excellent example of how PERMA has positively influenced his engagement in both curricular and co-curricular pursuits. Though he achieved 4 A grades in his recent AS exams, he was able to maintain his commitments to music in school and performing through a scholarship scheme with St Polycarp’s choir while simultaneously completing a gruelling training regime for rugby.
Keelan believes “The focus on wellbeing in school has led me to value the curricular and co-curricular opportunities I have been given at Inst; the balance between study, indulging my love of music and the physicality of rugby allows me to be at my best.”
Positive emotions: the 1st XV enjoyed the ‘Tackle Your Emotions’ campaign.
Engagement: Staff and pupils engage together in Run In The Dark; this promotes even better relationships in the classroom. Relationships: Nick Irvine, Dr Zoe Williams and Dylan Nagar explore positive relationships which are promoted at Inst.
Meaning: Curricular and co-curricular pursuits alike at Inst create and reinforce meaning.
Accomplishments: The balance of participation at Inst leads to our pupils’ accomplishments across a range of fields.
