School Talks and Insets

As a frequent speaker at headteacher conferences, I would be delighted to visit your school to contribute to classroom teaching, PSHE, an inset day or prize-giving, by offering lectures and workshops individually tailored for pupils, staff and parents.

At Cambridge University, I have for seven years lectured a course in 'Applying the skills of well-being' (encompassing social, emotional, intellectual and physical 'good-health'). Dr Anthony Seldon kindly invited me to introduce the subject to Wellington College, to help promote a 'happier school', and since then I have spoken at several dozen schools. In just the past two years, I have had deeply enjoyable commissions in a colourful array of schools including Eastbourne College, Harrow, Channing, Benenden, Bishop Stortford College and Christ's Hospital School, as well as Queenswood, Heathfield St. Mary's, St. Mary's Ascot, Portsmouth Grammar and St. Albans High. Alongside these, the prep schools have included Millfield, St. Anthony's, Cranmore, Crossfields, Newland House and Shrewsbury House. Last autumn, I was the guest-speaker and workshop-leader at the annual three-day conference for the 250 Deputy-Heads of the Independent Schools of South Africa. I'm delighted to say that all of these events were considered highly successful by their hosts.

My presentations encourage our exploration of what everyday principles, strategies, skills and experiences might serve as a catalyst to profoundly healthy, highly adventurous and good-hearted lives. How can we best overcome fears, deal with setbacks, prevent depression, develop friendships, and prepare for exams? I endeavour to convey practical suggestions with gentle humour and vivid illustrations from the Arts and Sciences, all supported by the inspiring example of much admired individuals.

The following page details what I can offer your school, and my experience in doing so. Thank you for reading. I do hope you'll email or call to discuss the possibilities of my visiting.

Bring Well-being into Your School, for pupils, staff and parents

• An Insight Lecture and/or a Practical Workshop tailor-made for the whole staffroom. Nick can suggest ways of dealing with stress, preventing depression and nurturing joie-de-vivre; and these simple but powerful principles work just as well for busy teachers as for bustling pupils.
• Some age-appropriate activities for one or more year groups (perhaps as part of their PSHE); and inspiring guidance on exam-preparation.
• By special arrangement, a presentation to parents (perhaps in the early evening) to encourage their support of your well-being initiatives both at school and at home.
• Nick can also work round-table with your SMT.