Package of training and support for Secondary Schools growingconfidence@edinburgh.gov.uk

Context Teenage Brain & Behaviour Cool, Calm and Connected Raising Teens with Confidence

Why we are delivering this course Evidence based course rather than a parenting course We aim to deliver this through research into the teenage brain as a means for looking at what support can be offered to teenagers Directly connects to the work done in school with teachers (Teenage Brian & Behaviours) and pupils (Cool, Calm & Connected). To provide local support amongst parents and carers

Support for Pupils This year 15 S6 pupils will be trained as Cool, Calm & Connected mentors and will deliver this peer education programme to S1 pupils over the course of 6 weeks in the Personal Support Period. Not only will pupils gain an understanding of the teenage brain & behaviours but will also look at strategies and supports available to them to ensure they look after their own mental and emotional wellbeing. Many of these S6 pupils will be working in PSP classes over the course of the year to develop relationships with S1 pupils. Cool, Calm & Connected – Peer Education & PSE Resource:

Support for Parents of Teenagers An opportunity to come together with other parents and carers and: Explore some of the research about different aspects of adolescent development Increase understanding about changing roles, behaviours and relationships How best to support young people’s emotional health and wellbeing through the teenage years Building on the highly successful Raising Children With Confidence course that over 2000 parents and carers from primary school settings have benefited from. Raising Teens with Confidence is being piloted in this school as an interactive 6 week course and will cover the following sessions.

Why what you do matters! The Teenage Years: Why what you do matters? A look at emotional health and wellbeing, what are the risk and protective factors? What can we do to better understand and support the changes in these years. You may not feel you still make a difference but the research says otherwise! Why what you do matters!

The Teenage Years- Why what we do matters This will look at- Positive emotional health and wellbeing and consider how parents and carers still play a really big part in supporting the development of this in their children and young people. River of Life

The Amazing Teenage Brain- what is going on in there? This will look at- Some of the latest neuroscience into the developing teenage brain and helps to explain why adolescence is a distinct and critical developmental period.

Guess the year? "What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets, inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?"

  Risky Business: This session will discuss the teenage drive for taking risks and how this doesn’t have to be a bad thing if we can help them develop ways to positively manage risk-taking behaviour.

Risky Business- What is going on in there? This will look at- The teenage drive for taking risks and how this does not have to be a bad thing if we can help them develop ways to positively manage risk taking behaviour.

It’s Good to Talk: The Importance of staying connected This session will look at different communication styles in families and practise communication techniques that support positive relationships and the development of social and emotional skills in your teenagers.  

It’s Good to Talk- The importance of staying Connected This will look at- Different communication styles in families, and practise communication techniques that support positive relationships and the development of social and emotional skills in teenagers. ‘Mum’s Song’

The Brain Under Stress- Overcoming setbacks and developing resilience This will look at- How the brain responds to stress and what parents can do to support young people in managing their stress and building resilience.

Looking After Your Own Wellbeing- Coping with the Changes This will look at- How parents and carers can look after their own wellbeing and cope with all the changes that come with the shifting of family dynamics and structure.

Raising Teens With Confidence Course This course will be delivered on a Thursday from 6.30- 8.30pm starting on 26th October. If interested in this course please email- vaila.wright@balernochs.edin.sch.uk