Pupils in Upper Two at Exeter School recently took part in a thoughtful and engaging wellbeing activity designed to explore mental health, happiness and anxiety in a practical and memorable way.
The session encouraged pupils to reflect on the importance of connection, communication and supporting one another — values that sit at the heart of the Exeter School community.
A Creative Approach to Mental Health Education
The lesson began with a wider discussion about mental health and wellbeing before focusing more closely on happiness and anxiety. Pupils each wrote their name on a balloon before scattering them randomly around the library.
The class then considered what it can feel like to focus only on our own thoughts and emotions, whether those feelings are positive, anxious, happy or worried.
The Balloon Challenge
Working against the clock, U2T pupils were asked to find only their own balloon. They could not help anyone else or focus on another person’s balloon — their task was simply to search for their own.
Pupils quickly discovered how difficult and time-consuming the challenge became when everyone focused solely on themselves. Afterwards, the class reflected on the experience and discussed how isolating it can feel when we become consumed by our own worries or anxieties.
The balloons were then scattered once more, but this time the challenge changed. Pupils picked up the first balloon they found and returned it to its owner.
The result was remarkable: the class completed the task more than 45 seconds faster.
Learning the Value of Support and Connection
The activity sparked an important conversation about the positive impact of sharing both our worries and our successes with others.
Pupils discussed how speaking openly about anxieties, as well as celebrating hopes, dreams and achievements together, can strengthen mental wellbeing and help us achieve our goals more effectively.
By working collaboratively and supporting one another, the class experienced first-hand how kindness, empathy and community can make challenges feel more manageable.
Building a Supportive School Community
At Exeter School, wellbeing education plays an important role in helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and emotional awareness.
Activities such as the U2T balloon challenge provide valuable opportunities for pupils to reflect, communicate openly and understand the importance of looking out for one another — both inside and outside the classroom.
