Growing Minds

In 2022, Lynsey Wallace, Head of Drama at Beaumont School and Liz Margree, Business Psychologist and Executive Coach joined forces to create an exciting new programme for Hertfordshire Schools called Growing Minds – the core aim being to build resilience across all aspects of a school’s community (young people, staff members and parents/carers) using creativity and psychology.

Lynsey, alongside her 24 year career as a Drama specialist, has also trained at an intermediate level in (ACT for Adolescents) DNA-V model, which promotes psychological strength and values consistent living, vitality, and success. It is designed to help adolescents cope with challenges, stress, and change. The DNA-V model can be thought of as a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology and is underpinned by contextual behavioural science. She is also a Place2Be mental health champion (foundation). 

Workshops for small groups of students on themes of resilience, transition, friendship and anxiety have been running within the community of Beaumont over the last two years with successful results! These workshops will continue to run into the new academic year 2024-25. 

In 2024 the project is widening to create a company of 6th form creators. They will train in the theory behind the workshops and work with Lynsey Wallace to create a theatrical experience and workshop for Primary School children. The project will be based around the book ‘The Huge Bag of Worries’ (Virginia Ironside) and will encourage their audiences to challenge negative thinking habits. 

Pastoral Leadership Team Testimonial: Abbey Afilaka, Head of Key Stage 3

We have found Growing Minds to be an essential service. It is an invaluable resource to help identify students who needed support due to mental health concerns, anxiety, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, and developing resilience. At the end of the programme, the change in the students was evident; each of them was more settled, confident and were developing stronger bonds with their friendships. The students are well integrated into school life and thriving.

Student Testimonials:

I have learnt these feelings are normal and I have more strategies to be able to cope with my anxiety  –  Year 7 student

I was feeling bad and the night before all I could think about was coming in for the session and that kept me going  –  Year 9 student

I was able to sit my exams! I can apply for Veterinary Medicine!  –  Year 12 student